Virginia Gastelum Davis

Virginia was born in a small house at the end of Chestnut St, next to the railroad tracks in Carlsbad, California, on October 4, 1930, to Nicolas and Mercedes Gastelum. She grew in Carlsbad up surrounded by love with her Mom, Dad, Sisters and Brother, and a large extended family of uncles, aunts, and numerous cousins who called her “Kina”. Virginia was the youngest of the many children of several Gastelum brothers who were pioneer families in Carlsbad. She is a descendant of Ramon Gastelum, who came to what is now Tubac, Arizona in 1756, one of the first fifteen European families granted land by the King of Spain to settle in Arizona.

Kina was introduced to the love of her life, Ralph, by her sister Eleanor. They married and raised 3 sons, moving from Carlsbad to La Mirada, creating a life of happiness for their family. Mama Kina set the standard for loving her sons and husband and was devoted to her family. If you were a friend of her sons, you became one of her boys. Countless meals were served to anyone who would stop by, along with the half dozen or so friends and family who she took in to live in her home. There was never a sacrifice too great for her and Ralph if it meant a better life for their sons.

Virginia continued her life in Fullerton, welcoming her three daughters-in-law, hosting countless Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve dinners, birthdays, and holidays. She crafted dozens of homemade items, taught Catechism, and was known for her family’s favorite dish, “sopita”. She and Ralph traveled the world together, and celebrated 77 years married. She became a grandmother, “Nana”. Family meant everything to Virginia, and nothing brought her more joy than being with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph, her sisters Aurora (Goya), Eleanor (Noy), her brother Ramon (Monchy), granddaughter Sarah, nieces Dora (Dorie), Leticia (Tish), and great-nephew Mark.

She is survived by her sons Ron (Vickie), Ralph Jr, (Therese), Mark (Lisa); her grandchildren, Elizabeth (Brian), Ronnie, (Kim), Magdalena (Ryan), Genevieve (JJ), Marielle, Chris (Michelle), Miranda, Alex (Paula); and great-grandchildren, Gabriella, Noah, Hannah, Danny, Shayna, and most recently, Nicholas, who was born in June 2025.

Virginia’s example of devotion and love will continue for generations to come.

A reception will follow on January 29, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Eternal Hills Mortuary in the Pacific Room 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA, 92054.

The final resting place will be at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside.