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 Outreachin 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 Driveat 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.
