Cecelia Eileen Kysar Ellsworth
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About Cecelia Eileen Kysar Ellsworth
Cecelia Eileen Kysar Ellsworth slipped away peacefully on February 17, 2026, at The Lund Hospice Home in Gilbert, Arizona.
She was born September 2, 1936, to Raymond Lyle and Ruth Parsons Kysar. The fourth of five children, Cecelia was raised with strong family values and a faith that anchored her throughout her life. The friendships she formed at Farmington High School remained dear to her throughout her life.
On November 25, 1955, she married the love of her life, John “Johnny” Ellsworth. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. Cecelia and Johnny were blessed with seven children: Bryan, Timothy, Daniel, Shawna, Kathleen, Ruth Rebecca, and Ron. She was also the proud grandmother of 27 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way—each a constant source of joy and pride.
Cecelia loved Jesus Christ and believed deeply in her Heavenly Father. She taught her children that Jesus is not distant—He is a personal friend. Her faith was steady, sincere, and quietly powerful.
She was a devoted wife and steadfastly committed to her marriage. Her selfless devotion shaped the lives of her children and all who knew her. She exemplified Christlike service throughout her life, particularly in community facing illness and challenges inherit in farming communities. She was attentive to the quiet and often unseen needs of others, offering love, compassionate support, and care. Her example was a north star for her children as they strive to follow through careers and lives of service.
Cecelia’s home was welcome to all. She was an incredible homemaker and never happier than when the table was surrounding by family and friends. She loved the young men—affectionately known as her “adopted nephews”—who came to work on the family farm and loved them as if they were her own.
She expressed her love through giving. Cecelia canned, gardened, sewed, taught children’s classes at church and in the community, volunteered in schools, baked bread, and made the most unforgettable cinnamon rolls. She had a gift for bringing things to life—in her garden and in the hearts of people. She loved fall colors, roses, oil painting, and all things beautiful.
Wherever she made her home, she cultivated enduring friendships and both gave and received abundant blessings through the lives she touched.
Her children were the jewels of her life. She loved and encouraged them to become the very best they could be in whatever paths they chose.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 12:00 noon at 4629 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert, Arizona 85234. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Mesa Cemetery.
If you are unable to attend the service, please click on the following link to livestream the service: https://youtube.com/live/LEYHfhUjnJo?feature=share
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
6 comments
Jen Wicker
My sweet Cecilia, friend to all and prayer warrior to those in need. My life was blessed to know Cecilia and Johnny. They knew how to welcome with open hearts and Christ-like love. I will miss my dear friend but her legacy lives on through her wonderful children ❤️
cathleen Silva
Sending love to your entire family as you celebrate the beautiful life of Cecelia. She was one of five loving brothers and sisters — Kay, Margaret, Raymond, and Carrol — and you could always feel how deeply they all cherished her. I’ll always remember her adventurous spirit and that unmistakable twinkle in her eye. She reminded me so much of my mom, Kay, and the times we spent together during my mama’s visits to see her are memories I’ll always hold close. Her presence made those moments special for both of us. May her light continue to shine in all the lives she touched.
Michael Bowyer
Cecelia and John made the perfect team. When Cecelia would see you in a time of need and say, “I will pray for you”, it wasn’t a passive offer, she meant it. As the receiver of Cecelia’s genuine offerings, I felt the blessings and very happy to be in the prayers of someone this faithful. J Reuben Clark once counseled, “Never let your faith be hard to detect”, Cecelia and John were the prime examples of this counsel. You always knew they stood on solid footing. What a blessing to have known John and Cecelia.
Linda Barragan
I have fond memories of Aunt Cecelia from my childhood she would take us to Fullers Market and buy popsicles for us kids. I remember her strawberry patch in Idaho. Her home cooked meals when I visited Grandview, Idaho while in college. Her home was always beautifully decorated with elements of her handiwork. She helped Dav and I buy and sell our first home and find our second home. Whenever she would see me, she would greet me with a big kiss, right on the lips! I love her and will miss my sweet Aunt Cecelia.
Marissa Segura
Cecelia will always have a special place in my heart. I was her caregiver for a couple of months before my church mission. She taught me to always trust in the Lord. She sure loved the gospel and her family so much. I especially loved going on walks and helping her with her exercises which she was very adamant to get done haha. She truly was an incredible woman!!
Peggy Brown Herring
I’m so happy Cecilia is with her beloved John now. I could not ever imagine them separated. They were our guides, spiritually and temporarily in our first years here in Gilbert. Her incredible hospitality and loving reception for ALL will never be forgotten!