Lt. governor’s wife, Ling, passes away

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial ordered yesterday all U.S. and CNMI flags to fly at half staff and announced a state of mourning for the passing of Dolores Agulto Inos, the wife of Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos.

Mrs. Inos, fondly known as “Ling,” passed away on Saturday at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in the Philippines at around 2am, or 4am Saipan time. She was 63.

Many described Mrs. Inos as a “fighter” for having endured a long battle with an illness.

“She’s a fighter,” Rep. Joseph Palacios (R-Saipan) said yesterday.

Palacios said the lieutenant governor has also been a strong man.

“The lieutenant governor has always put a straight face but deep inside we know he’s hurting and he’s going through a lot, but he’s strong for his wife and his whole family,” he added.

Palacios and House floor leader George Camacho (Ind-Saipan) both extended their condolences to the Inos family.

The governor, in a statement yesterday, said he and first lady Josie Fitial, along with the members of his Cabinet, join the people of the Commonwealth in extending their deepest condolences to the lieutenant governor, his children and the entire family.

“I have known the lieutenant governor and his family for decades. Ling was truly a remarkable woman with a deep appreciation for her husband and children,” Fitial said.

Fitial ordered all U.S. and CNMI flags to fly at half staff until the end of the funeral day.

“She was a loving wife of 40 years, a gentle and caring mother to her six children and a beloved grandmother to her seven grandchildren. She will be missed tremendously,” the governor added.

The Office of the Governor statement did not specify Mrs. Inos’ illness.

Senate President Paul Manglona (Ind-Rota) said the people of Rota extend their condolences to the lieutenant governor and the whole family.

“It’s been a long, difficult struggle for the lieutenant governor, his wife and their children. We join the family in their prayers,” he added.

Mrs. Inos worked as an accountant for 30 years at the Town House Department Store before retiring to spend time with her grandchildren and do things she loved dearly, such as stitching, gardening and cooking, the Fitial administration said.

Nightly Mass of intention is now being offered at San Vicente Church at 6pm, immediately followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary.

The Fitial administration said details regarding funeral arrangements and the arrival of Mrs. Inos’ remains—accompanied by her husband, the lieutenant governor, and their daughters—will be announced in the coming days.