Ernestina Quintana-Martinez

Ernestine Quintana-Martinez, a resident of Salinas, Calif., passed away after a long illness on Oct. 25, 2020. She was surrounded by her children, son, Jeff Martinez and his children Amanda, Loki and Khaleesi Martinez; daughter, Ramona Martinez and her children Robert Mayfield, Ashley Martinez and Adam Amaya; youngest son, Charles (Chuck) Martinez and his children Serenity and Elijah Martinez; all of Salinas, Calif.

Ernestine Quintana was born on June 15, 1936, in Las Vegas, N.M., to Carlos Alfredo Quintana and Donaciana Duran-Quintana. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers who died in infancy, Juan Quintana, Eduardo Quintana and Marquitos Quintana. These baby brothers were interned in Lourdes, N.M. cemetery. She was also preceded by a sister, Martha Quintana, who was killed in a car accident on November 6, 1954 in La Junta, Colo.; two half siblings, Jose Agustin Quintana and Guadulupe Quintana-Jaramillo; two special nephews, Carlos Jaramillo of Texas and Joseph Gallegos of Las Animas, Colo.; and her favorite brother-in-law, Joe A. Gallegos of Las Animas, Colo. Ernestine is survived by her only living sister, Connie Quintana Gallegos, who resides in Las Animas, Colo.

Ernestine was lovingly referred to as "Nena", as she was the baby of the family. As a child she lived in Lourdes and Las Vegas, N.M. The family then moved to Colorado when her father secured a job with the Army Airfield in La Junta. Ernestine attended La Junta schools and acquired her formal education there. The family loved to sing together and prayed daily as they were devout Catholics.

She left La Junta when she married and lived in several states during their military duration. This included her residing in Germany for a time. She worked at the Fort Ord Army base hospital when they were stationed there and also as a caregiver and Teacher's Aide. Ernestine was an avid reader. She loved to read nonfiction and anything political, as she was a staunch and passionate Democrat. She also enjoyed listening to her favorite Country and Western singers Merle Haggard and her favorite, George Jones. She enjoyed a variety of Mexican music, like Corridos and Rancheras She will be forever missed by her special nieces, Elaine (Bea) Martinez of Las Animas, Colo., Jolene Gallegos-Chapman of Ontario, Calif., Colleen Gallegos-Sheehan of Fullerton, Calif. Colleen was also her special goddaughter. Lastly her niece, Felipita (Pita) from Lelia Lake, Texas, nephews, Reuben Gallegos of Las Animas, Colo., James Gallegos of St. George, Utah and Tony Jaramillo of Texas; as well as many other nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends; and gracious neighbors, Hank and Joan Fordham of Salinas, Calif.

Cremation has taken place, and a graveside service will be held Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery in La Junta, CO with Father Joseph Matitu of Or Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish officiating. She will be laid to rest alongside her parents and sister.