Nonita-Maria Celis Quinata

Nonita-Maria "Nit" Celis Quinata- beloved wife, mother, grandmother, 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 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 pm with visitation to follow between 4:30 and 6:00 pm.

Funeral mass will be Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 10:00am at St. Ann Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Desert Memorial Park.