Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1935
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Richard Ceja Obituary
Born: December 17, 1935 in Ottawa, IL
Died: June 26, 2025 in Ottawa, IL
Richard Paul Ceja, 89, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 3, from 10:00am until 12:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will follow at 12:00pm at the funeral Home. Burial will immediately follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.
Richard was born on December 17, 1935 in Ottawa, IL to Joseph and Jeanette (Malone) Ceja. He married the love of his life, Lounetta Abell, on June 16, 1956. They spent 64 years together before she preceded him in death on March 1, 2021.
He loved being active with his children. He took them sledding, fishing, and hunting. He enjoyed having his family together every Sunday for their chicken dinner. He welcomed all who were able to come for dinner, the more the merrier. He was in the army reserves for 8 years and worked in construction until he retired. He was also in the 4 Coachman Band and was well known for singing the song "The Auctioneer". He always had many stories to tell and he loved life.
He is survived by his children, Deborah (Donald) Crowl, Carolyn (Francis) Gaudi, Ruth Davis, and Paula Ceja; his grandchildren, Richard and Joseph Crowl, Adam (Adrienne) Gaudi, Nicholas (Tina) Davis, Ashley (Nikki) Davis, Jerod Ceja, and Kyleigh (Brandon) Sustek; 10 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren; his sister, Jean Deats; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Jeanette; the love of his life, Lounetta; his son in law, Lorence Davis; his siblings, Fred Ceja, Pete (Shirley) Ceja, Beatrice (Ives) Johnston, and two brothers in infancy, Charles and Joe; as well as his brother in law, Phillip Deats.
Memorial Contributions may be directed to the family.
The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com
Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory
1111 LaSalle St, Ottawa Illinois 61350
815-433-0300
www.ottawafuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Ceja
Sponsored by Ottawa Funeral Home and Crematory.
2 Entries
Craig R.
June 30, 2025
God love you, it was nice seeing you weekly. Sleep in Heavenly peace.
The Staff of Ottawa Funeral Home
June 28, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Ceja's name
Memorial Events
for Richard Ceja
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Ceja's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
