Ava Elizabeth Celaya July 8, 1950 - May 20, 2023

Ava Elizabeth Celaya, 72 years of age, beloved mother, grammy, grandma, aunt, sister, daughter, and dear friend, left this life in Lehi, Utah, on May 20th, 2023. Ava was born in Hallettsville, Texas on July 8th, 1950, and grew up in both Texas and California. She was the daughter of Berniece Thomas and Alfred Henry Niebla, and was the youngest of their three children together. Though they separated when Ava was young, she always felt a deep closeness to her parents. Ava proudly graduated from Campbell High School in California, in June of 1968. Following high school, Ava attended BYU majoring in Family Science. However, in April of 1971 she met Van Celaya, and the two were married soon after. During their marriage Ava gave birth to her seven beautiful children. Ava always referred to her children as “her treasures.” She was constantly thinking of new ways to connect with, care for, and meet her children’s needs. As a young mother, Ava’s interests were mostly all about just being a mother! She often told her children that she could not believe that the greatest dream of her life had come true: that she was a mother. It truly was her lifelong dream, and Ava adored her beloved family. She would read to them, sing to them, encourage their talents, teach them to dance, to sew, to fish, to play the piano, and to trust in God. — As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ava’s testimony was important to her from a young age, and her commitment to Jesus Christ carried her through many challenges, successes, failures, sorrows, and difficulties. She never faltered in her love for God, and would often quietly read the scriptures, or pray, when she was alone. Ava had trust in God no matter the outcome in life. She served in many callings in the church where she touched countless lives! As a primary music director, Young Women’s President, Relief Society President, nursery worker, and many other callings, Ava constantly spread love, and her huge heart has been felt by all those who knew her. — Ava was an avid lover of nature, animals, and the outdoors! Any baby animal that Ava’s children brought home or that needed care, was IMMEDIATELY adopted. Her heart would burst with compassion for all living creatures, but she had a particularly soft spot for kitties of all ages. She loved cats and kittens! She would give her last dollar to care for an ailing kitty, OR small child, but if the child was fine, the dollar would go to the kitty! 🙂 She was very tender-hearted and could not pass by any living thing in need. — Ava also enjoyed developing her talents and hobbies which included calligraphy, cross-stitching and needle work, reading, and continuous learning. In her great capacity to give, Ava also served for many years as a Cub-Scout leader, volunteered at the local hospital gift shop, and supported charities like the ASPCA. — As soon as she became a grandma, Ava’s life was complete! You could not have known a more proud or doting grammy. She celebrated not only each child, but also each grandchild with a hand-selected birthday card that would always BURST with confetti when it was opened! It was her way of saying, “Surprise!!! I LOVE you SO MUCH!” Even when the heart shaped confetti went everywhere, you couldn’t help but smile with the love and joy that was felt each and every time her card was opened. — One of her greatest strengths Ava exuded was the ability to befriend and welcome ANYONE in need, or who was alone. She was ENDLESSLY protective of people’s feelings, whether they were “right or wrong,” and was keenly aware of those who were hurting, suffering, or who needed a friend. She never wanted to judge. And while her huge heart drew her to others, her happy, joyful, goofy, kind, and loving nature drew others to her, even right up to the end of her life. She was a constant light and source of peace for those she encountered, even until her last days on the earth. She is deeply loved and cherished by so many, many people, all of whom she loves right back. We all love her, and will miss her so very, very much. Ava is preceded in death by her father, mother, sister, brother, and her dear grandson Michael Allen Nye. She is survived by her adoring children: Jane, Kathy, Van, Jon, Aaron, David, and Jacob; her former husband; 19 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dearest friends. The memorial service for Ava Elizabeth Celaya will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 11:30AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 470 E Salem Canal Rd, Salem, Utah, with a visitation from 9:45AM – 11:15AM, and family prayer just prior to the memorial service.