Richard Ceja

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.