Estela Q Johnson

Estela was born the seventh child of Eduardo and Eloisa Quezada de Bustillos shortly after their arrival in Los Angeles from Chihuahua, Mexico.  Eduardo had been given the choice of death by firing squad or leaving the country by Poncho Villa himself.  Villa had felt that Don
Eduardo had betrayed his trust as head of supplying the population of northern Mexico with food and industrial goods.  Actually, Eduardo's only crime had been staying in communication with the man who had owned the business prior to Villa's insurgency and taking possession of the supply business, which Don Eduardo had run for years.

Speaking only Spanish until she started school in Trona, Estela was a quiet girl.   As a child she was considered a rare beauty and was even smarter than she was beautiful.  The family's move to Trona was prompted by her father's desire to keep their sons from the influences of the gangs of early Los Angeles' Chavez Ravine neighborhood where they had moved after leaving Chihuahua.  Living in Trona, where Mexican families were allowed to live only on Mojave Street, which was set beside the railroad tracks on the way to the dump, her parents were considered the leaders of the small segregated group of families.  The growing family that would eventually number twelve children lived a happy life in a one room home which was later moved to the foot of the mountain in Pioneer Point.  With the help of Tio Chalo, a skilled tradesman, the house eventually had five bedrooms but only one bathroom.

Starting school without speaking a word of English, Estela was soon among the best students in her class. In high school she was the editor of the school paper and a member of the Yearbook staff. College was not an option for a working class "Mexican" girl.  However, Estela and her older sister, Eva, attempted to pursue career opportunities outside of Trona.  The two of them escaped to their oldest brother's home in Los Angeles to work in the factories supplying aircraft parts for the WWII effort.  Nevertheless, their dream of careers was temporarily delayed as after only two weeks their parents found they could not be without their beautiful daughters and insisted that they come home.   As loving, obedient daughters they returned immediately to Trona.  LA's loss was Trona's gain.  Soon after her return, Dr. Max Rafferty (later to become California's Superintendent of Public Schools) hired her as the school's secretary. She would later work for Searles Valley Credit Union under the direction of founder Cliff Jones, as a key employee of the start-up credit union.

On July 4 ^th , 1946 Estela married Charles Clifford Paine, a handsome electrician apprentice from Humboldt County, California. The union would bless them with six children from 1950 to 1958; the first four born in Trona, the final two born in Ridgecrest. Estela was a devoted mother and wife who always put her family's needs above her own. Life was always busy raising six active children who were socially, scholastically and athletically involved year round. Raising the six proved even more difficult with an alcoholic spouse, who at times made the daily routine anything but routine. Her deep religious faith helped keep the family together, uniting them all with a spiritual basis for loving and serving one another, despite circumstances that may have torn an ordinary household apart. Estela's selflessness and love sustained them, nurtured and guided them.

Her professional life was a reflection of her upbringing.  She was as devoted to her work and co-workers as she was to her family, always presenting a pleasant disposition and studying her profession. The successes in her career started after the birth of her 6th child, Mary Lynne. This included a short stint at NOTS Federal Credit Union, where all of her children started their own accounts. She continued on to Civil Service at China Lake Security Department. She rose from being a secretary to become the Internal Security Division Head.  Estela's career, as a civilian employee at China Lake, spans over 30 years and she was recognized for excellence on numerous occasions.  When Estela reflected back on her career she often lauded several of her mentors, including Mr. Ben Hartman and Mr. Bill Davis. She had great reverence for the career opportunities afforded her and was grateful to the many co-workers who supported her efforts. She believed in equal opportunity, and was a proud member of the National Organization for Women (NOW).

Estela's only self-indulgence was her Wednesday night bowling league. Although she seldom took more time than one evening a week to bowl, she loved it and the friends she bowled with. She carried an average of about 185 in her best years.  Estela took great pride and lots of fun cheering on her children and grandchildren at their athletic and performance events.  One of her greatest joys in life was attending the annual "Quezada Family Reunion and Golf Tournament" now going 67 years strong.  This event initiated by her brothers who loved golf brought her entire family together as long as they were alive and able.   It has continued in honor of her parent's legacy and their request to " love one another. "  Each year she relished putting her clothing ensembles together for the Annual Q Reunion, where she enjoyed the golfing, dinner, the family reverie and dancing, dancing and dancing.

Charles' passing in 1982 led to Estela's eventual meeting and later marrying Joseph Johnson in 1988. He was a kind man who loved her and shared many happy times traveling the USA in their motorhome while visiting friends and family everywhere they went. The twenty plus years they spent together seemed to fly by, as the number of grandchildren grew and the cycles of life became apparent. Her life had been a worthy endeavor in which her self- sacrifice and love provided dividends far beyond her meager beginnings.

In her 80's the ugly reality of age related dementia showed its effects in even the most humble and gracious among us.  Its slow progression eventually took away her ability but never took away her kind and gracious heart. In her last years her caregivers always praised her kindness, tenderness and obvious love for others. Many would comment that only truly kind people, who had lived a life of servant love, are able to be at such peace in the end.  We are now grateful she resides with the communion of saints.

Estela's legacy lives on through her children, Charles Clifford Paine Jr., Dr. Rita Rich (Darrell Rich), Edward Paine, (Maria Paine), Terri Clarke (Dr. Steven Clarke), Mary Lynne Bachman (Dr. Michael Bachman), her sixteen grandchildren and numerous great-children. Estela was pre-deceased by her husbands, Charles and Joe; her third son, Steven Mark Paine as well as seven of her siblings. Her sister Alice Korba Criger and brothers Manuel and Raul continue the Quezada legacy.

Funeral services for Estela will be held at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 446 W. Church Ave., Ridgecrest, on Friday April 28 ^th at 10 am, with reception to follow.   A Rosary for Estela will be held at Holland and Lyons Mortuary, 216 S. Norma St, Ridgecrest on Thursday April 27 ^th at 6pm.  The Family of Estela thanks Ridgecrest Home Care and Hospice of Ridgecrest for all the loving care.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Ann's Catholic Church, Ridgecrest.