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Celeste Ensign Obituary
1975~2015
Our beautiful, faithful, worthy daughter, sister, aunt, and friend Celeste Ensign chose to depart this life on Sunday, November 1, 2015 in Austin, Texas. She was born in Washington DC on February 16, 1975 to Milton Dale Ensign and Elaine Woodbury Ensign. In her early years she gained the nickname of "Sunshine" which followed her during her amazing life. Celeste genuinely loved and laughed. She had a way of understanding people that was deep and meaningful.
Celeste loved the outdoors and had an adventurous spirit. One of her proudest moments was being the first woman in Utah to bungee cord upside down. She enjoyed hiking, cliff jumping, golf and swimming. Many people were blessed by her quiet talents: her sense of humor, ability to listen, singing voice, and especially her talent for teaching. Celeste's knowledge of the gospel and testimony of the truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints were the foundations of her life.
At East High School she was voted freshman homecoming queen, and in sports she was a state tennis champion and the MVP on the basketball team, she also had a brilliant mind.
Celeste served in the Santiago South Chile Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Following her mission, she earned money to volunteer in a childrens' hospital in the Dominican Republic and then served as an interpreter for doctors in Peru. She graduated from BYU in Public Health and at the time of her passing was the Assistant Vice President of Cardon Outreach in Austin, Texas.
Six years ago she was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a neurobiological disorder on the high end of the autism spectrum. Her close mentor has been Elder Richard G. Scott with whom she gained a special testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. She was able to bring out many broad smiles of Elder Scott because of her unique sense of humor.
Memories of her beautiful smile and her humble, adorable unselfish gentle spirit will always remain in our hearts. We can never recall her ever speaking unkindly of or criticizing anyone nor would she allow anyone to do so in her presence. It is our challenge to cherish and honor her memory by following her example of Christ like love, charity and faith. Prior to her passing, Celeste was asked what were the happiest times in her life. She replied that it was her summers with her sister Heather in Sun Valley, Idaho and the two weeks spent in Zimbabwe helping the poor. Because of this, the family is requesting that any donations made be to www.eyes4zimbabwe.org
Celeste is survived by her parents and nine siblings: Erlynn Lansing, Robert Pusey, Eric Ensign, Lisa Howe, Clint Ensign, Lynne Johnston, Lance Ensign, Jonathan Ensign and Heather Gordon, together with their spouses plus many nieces, nephews and countless friends. The family wishes to express special appreciation to Clint Ensign for his outpouring of love and attention in the last days and months of her life.
Funeral services will be held in the Foxhill Ward chapel at 200 Eagle Ridge Drive at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 7, 2015. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am. Interment following the services will be at the Wasatch Lawn Cemetery at 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. There will also be a memorial service held for her in Austin, TX, Saturday November 14.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Celeste Ensign
Mary
December 9, 2022
Always kind to everyone. Never made me feel bad about myself.
Dan Egli
December 12, 2018
After only just barely learning about Celeste's passing, I am crushed. She was so alive and vital when I knew her. Her death is a dark spot on the world.
Bart Andersen
November 4, 2016
Wow!!! I Must say I'm in complete shock to say the least that my Institute Instructor/ Friend Celeste has pass away. She had a profound Impact in my life as she helped me gain a deeper understanding of the Scriptures and Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Ryan Peterson
November 10, 2015
I remember Celeste from the halls of East High School. She had such a kind demeanor, and radiated sincere warmth to all around her. If there were struggles... I know she is now in a better place. My best to her family and loved ones..
November 9, 2015
Dear Dale and Elaine, I am so sorry to hear of Celeste's passing. She was such a darling girl, loved by everyone. I don't know if you heard of my husband Jim's passing on the 22nd of September. I hope the two of them are sitting on a cloud sharing stories right now! I love you both and wish I was closer to express my love to you in person. Ann Santini
Liz Hansen
November 8, 2015
My heart is heavy thinking about Celeste.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family
Liz Hansen
November 8, 2015
Our love and prayers will be for all the family. We love you and are proud of you all,
Roger and Lorraine Weight
Thomas Sandquist
November 7, 2015
We are so sorry we were unable to attend
the viewing for Celeste, not even my G.P.S.
could find the address of the church. We could
not find Eagle Ridge---?
I had the pleasure of serving as her Bishop, while she lived in the Waterbury Condos, on Murray, Utah. My wife and I also
served a mission in Austin, Texas from 2013,
to 2014, and were able to have Celeste, and
a boy friend, over for dinner. We had a great time talking of old times. She also arranged a special session at the Temple with Elder Scott, which we will never forget. She
was so kind as to help my wife fill out the
papers, so my mother-in-law could be put into
a care center. We love her and will always
call her a friend.
Thomas E. & Sharron K. Sandquist
Cassandra Stewart
November 6, 2015
To the Family of Celeste,
I only knew Celeste through our work with Cardon Outreach, but each time I was near her, I was amazed at her joy in life. I always learned something from Celeste. She was a wonderful person. We will all miss her tremendously.
Robyn Thomson
November 6, 2015
There are very few people that cross your path in life that are genuinely kind to everyone, that make people feel listen too, loved and cared about. Celeste had this gift. Her presence was a breath of fresh air. I think her light will shine through even brighter from Heaven.
Robyn Thomson
Jessica Wilson Begum
November 6, 2015
Celeste was my childhood friend. I have so many memories of sleepovers, church outings, playing basketball in her back yard, running through the neighborhood, making french toast, the list is endless. I haven't seen Celeste in many years and I had no idea she was suffering so tremendously. I will always remember her warm, friendly spirit, her acceptance of everybody, and of course, her radiant smile that lit up a room. I will always hold sacred the memories I have of you, sweet Celeste.
Kathleen Kelly
November 6, 2015
Dear Elaine, my most heart felt condolences at your daughters passing. I pray you may have sweet peace to heal your heart.
Terri Bills
November 6, 2015
I will never look at swimming in the ocean the same way, I will miss your quiet wisdom and your smile. I will miss you Celeste
Jacqueline Holt
November 6, 2015
Dear Celeste,
I only knew you for the year I was in Austin, but you made a definite mark on my life for good. I was able to visit teach you and sit with you in church and feel of your love for the Savior. Your knowledge of the gospel inspired me. I loved your smiling face and sweet spirit that could be felt by all. Thank you for your friendship!
Love you dear friend!
Jacqueline J. Holt
Desiree Pill
November 6, 2015
I did not know Celeste but I wish I had. My thoughts and prayers are with her and the family. May her wonderful energy and spirit live through others.
Robert Collins
November 6, 2015
I am absolutely crushed and heartbroken at the news of Celeste's passing. And I am equally heartbroken that someone so kind had to endure so much for so long. I had the privilege-- and I use that word very intentionally-- of knowing Celeste and Heather in their ward at BYU. And, more importantly, I had the privilege of being called their friend. They were, and are, two of the most Christ-like people I have ever known, and my heart aches over Celeste's passing and the pain she endured. And even in the greatest depths of her own suffering she was, even as Jesus did, worrying about everyone else. I am confident that she has had a joyous welcome home, but the world she leaves behind is much poorer from her passing. I pray that there may be more comprehensive medical advancements to ease the suffering and save the lives of others similarly afflicted that they may have more time with their families. Celeste had an amazing life of accomplishment and service. She was, and always will be, an amazing person, and one of the most choice daughters of our Father in Heaven. We love you, Celeste!
Megan Curtis
November 5, 2015
Celeste lived across the street from me growing up. She was a great friend and so much fun to be around. She taught me how to drive using her manual car. I am grateful that I knew her.
She had a special way with animals, at least mine. They ran to the door whenever they heard her voice. She was a great listener, and gave me good advice when I needed it. I have thought about her often and I am so sorry we didn't keep better touch.
Sabine McNair
November 5, 2015
I had the pleasure of knowing Celeste through our association with Cardon over the last several years. She truly was everything spoken about her, always smiling and genuinely interested in what you had to say. I remember once when she returned from her trip to Africa she brought each of us a disc with pictures she took there and gave each of us a disc to keep. She was more like a friend than a business associate. She will be missed immensely.
November 5, 2015
I loved Celeste as a friend and as my cousin. Celeste was always smiling. She was generous with her time and energies and very caring. I will miss you my friend. My love to Elaine and Dale and family. Vicki Mumby
Clint Hankla
November 5, 2015
The day I met Celeste, she was interviewing me for a job. I remember the moment from years ago like it was yesterday. I still use the advice she gave me. "Be fantastic at something". I got the job and then we went to Salt Lick for bar-b-que. She inspired and encouraged us all, our whole team looked to her as our rock.
My family and I pray for Celeste and the family. You must be wonderful people to have created such an awesome lady. God bless you all.
Be fantastic. -Clint Hankla
Sonia Jividen
November 4, 2015
We did not have an early memory of Celeste, but because of our daughter's close relationship and friendship with her in Austin, Texas, we were able to share a deep friendship with her. Our daughter, Teresa, brought her to several of our family activities and we each learned to love her very quickly. I would tell her "we were her Austin parents," since she was "Teresa's sister". We will mourn and miss her along with the many friends she had.
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