Ramona Celis Aguirre

Ramona Terese Aguirre (Celis), a beloved lactation consultant at Phoenix Children's Hospital and longtime resident of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home on June 4, 2025, at the age of 46, following a courageous 2.5-year battle with cancer.

Born in Superior, Arizona on May 15, 1979, Ramona was the daughter of Norma K. Guzman and F. James Celis. She spent her early years in Omaha, Nebraska (1979–1983) and Kearny, Arizona (1983–1997), before settling in the Phoenix metropolitan area, where she built her life and career over the next 28 years.

Ramona attended Ray Unified Schools and later enrolled in the theater program at Arizona State University. Although she initially pursued the performing arts, she ultimately discovered her true calling-supporting mothers on their breastfeeding journeys. Her passion for helping others blossomed into a meaningful career as a lactation consultant. Ramona earned her credentials as an IBCLC, RLC, and provided care through the Arizona Department of Health Services WIC Program, Banner Desert Medical Center, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, and most recently, Phoenix Children's Hospital.

Known for her clinical expertise and heartfelt compassion, Ramona provided personalized, nurturing care to families during some of their most vulnerable moments. She was deeply respected by her colleagues and touched the lives of countless mothers and babies with her warmth, wisdom, and gentle encouragement.

On March 23, 2007, Ramona married the love of her life, Eugene Antonio Aguirre, in Mesa, Arizona. Together they shared over 18 beautiful years of marriage and built a loving home for their two children, Marley and Vivianne-whom Ramona adored above all else. Becoming a mother transformed her, and she embraced that role with grace, joy, and unwavering devotion.

Ramona will be remembered for her radiant energy, generous heart, and the joy she brought to every gathering. Her signature smile and laugh lit up any room and left those around her feeling truly seen and uplifted. She was a connector-maintaining close bonds with her many cousins, friends, and siblings, and acting as the central hub of her extended family and many friends.

She had a lifelong love for the arts and the outdoors. Ramona never missed an opportunity to watch a touring Broadway show, concert, or museum visit. An avid hiker, she explored countless trails around Arizona and especially cherished vacations to California and Hawaii, with La Jolla and the Pacific Coast holding a special place in her heart.

Ramona's absence leaves an immense void in the lives of those who loved her, but her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched.

She is survived by her devoted husband Gene, children Marley and Vivianne, siblings Antonio, Estevan, and Diana, and her father, F. James Celis niece Dalliss Celis Griffin and nephew Mason York Celis. She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Norma Guzman Celis.

Ramona's light, love, and legacy will be remembered always.

In lieu of flowers you can donate to the Ramona Celis Aguirre- Memorial Fund at Boyce Thompson Arboretum.

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