Nonita-Maria “Nit” Celis Quinata- beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother- was called to her eternal rest on January 6, 2024, at home in Ridgecrest, CA, at the age of 74. Nonita was born on April 10, 1949, in Saipan to Ignacio and Gloria Celis- the third of eleven children.
In 1969, Nonita met the love of her life, Richard. A long-distance relationship ensued while he was serving in the United States Air Force in Misawa, Japan. They married on October 17, 1970 and she embraced the role of military wife. Over the years, she established homes across the country at the many Air Force bases they were stationed at. While Nonita worked intermittently as an administrative assistant, her priority was raising their four wonderful children. In 1989, they settled in Ridgecrest, where Nonita devoted her time to their expanding family, especially to her 12 beloved grandchildren.
To her family, she embodied a gentle yet powerful presence. As a true matriarch, she shared her wisdom, offered guidance without judgment, and conveyed her love through the traditional Chamorro dishes she lovingly prepared for family and friends. She also loved giving gifts- whether it was your favorite snacks or something she had beautifully crocheted or sewn- she was always so thoughtful and generous.
Nonita leaves behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and love that will be cherished and missed beyond measure.
In her passing, Nonita joins her:
Parents: Ignacio and Gloria Celis
Sister: Daria Lujan
Brothers: Jaime and Raymond Celis
Parents-in-law: Tomas and Josefina Quinata
Sister-in-law: Martha Pangelinan
Brothers-in-law: Richard Heady, Jose Lujan, Joseph Leniz, James Pangelinan, George Aguon, Johnny Pangelinan
She will be dearly missed by her:
Husband: Richard Quinata, Sr.
Children: Richard (Jennifer) Quinata, Jr, Jason (Kate) Quinata, Ryan (Kelly Thompson) Quinata, and Nonette (Nicholas) Calvi
Grandchildren: Kalani (Arlene Bustamante), Rebecca (Bennett) Banach, Kienna (Eddi Fernandez), Richard III, Taitasi, Keegan, Johnavin, Kai, Mai’seo, Kamden, Kooper, and Range
Great Grandchildren: Kendall, Kainoa, Emma, Kawai, and Kalea
Sisters: Alicia Heady, Ramona (Atanacio) Manibusan, Antonette (Luis) Camacho, Marcy Celis
Brothers: Herminio (Jeanne) Celis, John (Barbara) Celis, Agaton (Leticia) Celis
Sisters-in-law: Ruth Leniz, Grace (Joe) Mesa, Gloria Pangelinan, Lucy (George) Bamba
Brothers-in-law: Thomas (Nieves) Quinata, Jesse (Jean) Quinata
A rosary service will be held at Holland & Lyons on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., with visitation following between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m.
The funeral mass will be Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Desert Memorial Park.