Nellie Montez Anaya

Nellie Montez Anaya was born Manuela Montez on December 31, 1921, in Fresno, California. God called her home on April 28, 2025. She passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 103 in Pinedale, California surrounded by the enduring love of her family. Her predeceased parents, Ladizlao Marquez Montez and Erlinda Perez Montez were originally from Huejucar, Jalisco, in Mexico.

Upon her mother Erlinda Montez’s passing, the Montez family of five children were orphaned. Nellie at the age of fifteen years old, dropped out of high school and took on the responsibility of supporting and caring for her younger siblings. With the help of her brother Michael Montez, both were able to provide financial and emotional support for their younger brother and sisters. During this difficult time, Nellie was a caring and understanding mother for her brother and sisters throughout their growing years. Through it all, she continued to be a talented pianist and taught piano lessons for income and enjoyment.

During World War II, Nellie served in the United States Army Air Force as a Secretary to Colonel Carroll S. Miller, Commanding Officer of Camp Pinedale, who was in charge of the Signal Corps and supplies support for Hammer Field in Fresno, California. Colonel Miller trained her in preparing procurement requisitions and the inventory for the basecamp supplies. In her duties, she traveled the basecamp riding on an Army green Indian motorcycle and completed procurement requisitions for parachutes, uniforms, airplane motors and parts, radio equipment, etc. These duties supported the personnel and war time airplanes stationed at Hammer Field.

She married Magdaleno Manzo Anaya on November 30, 1951, and they raised seven children. Their marriage stood the test of time with an enduring love and strong faith in God’s guiding hand through the years. With their guidance, the Anaya family learned invaluable lessons of faith, hard work, patience, perseverance, honor, and integrity in their daily life.

Even with a busy home life she found time to enjoy life in her own style. Nellie loved to sing with her beautiful soprano voice. When visiting, she never left the house without matching her purse, gloves, and hat. She loved to crochet and knit hats for her children and grandchildren. Her wonderful sense of humor, graciousness, unending faith in God, and the inner strength of a quiet mountain exemplified her unconditional love and devotion for her family, friends, and community. When she was able to, Nellie contributed and donated regularly to the Pinedale parish of the St. Agnes Mission Church.

She had many loving nicknames, including “Chulita”, “Nana”, “Mami Nellie,” given to her by her extensive family. She is survived by her sister Louise M. Hernandez, daughter-in-law Ofelia Anaya, daughter Evangelina Gonzales and son-in-law Robert Gonzales, daughter Roseanne Anaya-Rodarte and son-in-law Abel Rodarte, daughter Nellie Gonzales and son-in-law Jesse Gonzales, son Magdaleno Anaya and daughter-in-law Connie Anaya, and son Oscar Anaya and daughter-in-law Ana Anaya. She is predeceased by her brother Michael M. Montez, brother John M. Montez, sister Jeannie M. Carmona, sister Lucita M. Hernandez, husband Magdaleno Manzo Anaya, son Ignacio M. Anaya, son Javier M. Anaya, and grandson Roman A. Rodarte.

Nellie is also survived by fourteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and one great- great-granddaughter.

The Anaya Family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who provided care and touched our mother’s life with compassionate care, dignity, and love. We are forever grateful for all your support in allowing us to fulfill our promise to our beloved mother to live her golden years in her home. May she rest in peace in God’s infinite light and grace.

For those wishing to donate in Nellie Montez Anaya’s memory, you may send donations to the St. Agnes Mission Church in Pinedale, California and/or the Spirit of Harmony Foundation at https://spiritofharmony.org, which provides music education services for children.

Family and Friends are invited to view Nellie Montez Anaya’s legacy at www.whitehurstsullivan.com and write condolences.