Johnnie Elaine Hillegeist passed peacefully at home on November 17, 2024. She was born on September 9, 1935, in St. Augustine, Texas. When she was eight years old, she left The South and moved to Bakersfield, but would never leave her Southern accent behind. At 13 years old, she met and married Pedro Hillegeist, whom she would be happily married to for 65 years, until his death in 2014.

In 1956, Mom and Dad, with their two young sons, settled in Humboldt County. They raised us here while enjoying Humboldt County’s many treasures: collecting agates, digging for old bottles and whatever else they may find. They also enjoyed antiquing, fishing, hunting and much later in life, they found pleasure in the local casinos.

She is survived by her son David (Jennifer), her grandchildren Erin Mentesh (Michael), Kelly Dodd (Greg) and William Hillegeist (Jodi), as well as nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She shared much love over the years with her niece, Angelique. A very heart felt thank you to Pedro Vega for being her partner and a special part of our family for the past six years. We are so grateful for you, Pedro!

She was preceded in death by her husband Pedro Hillegeist, her son Michael and his son Michael Brian Hillegeist, her sister Demerace Crutchfield, her brother Jim Quinn, as well as many others who were near and dear to her heart.

Funeral services will be held at Ocean View Cemetery on Tuesday, November 26, at 11 a.m.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Johnnie Hillegeist’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.