Sept. 7, 1931 – April 3, 2018

Celia Rueda De Leon, devoted wife, extraordinary mother, and treasured grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on April 3 surrounded by her family.

She was 86 years of age.

Celia was born in Mexico to Ramon and Ignacia Aguilar. She married her high school sweetheart, Manuel Rueda De Leon, in 1951. They became U.S. citizens in the 1960s and devoted their lives to their community and children. Celia was a long-time member of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Ventura. She was also a devoted member of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter, allowing her to help many couples in their relationships. Celia was an entrepreneur for several years as an owner of De Leon’s Market in Somis, California in the 1970s. She later worked for several years as an in-home interventionist, providing support and guidance to disenfranchised Spanish- speaking families of abused and neglected children. Celia was also a certified hypnotherapist, providing therapy and support to many.

In her golden years, Celia lived in the Glendale and La Crescenta areas so she could be closer to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Celia touched the lives of countless people around her. She was like a mother to many, and extremely generous. She had a big heart and was a woman of great faith. Her Catholic faith was of the utmost importance to her. She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In her earlier years she was fond of dancing, writing and the dramatic arts. She was well-known for her authentic Mexican cooking. In her final years, Celia enjoyed painting and knitting scarves and booties for her loved ones.

Celia is preceded in death by her husband, Manuel, and siblings

Ramon, Gloria and Lucila. She is survived by her daughters Patricia, Lygia and Ilda; her siblings Luis Angel and Myrna; and her eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services were held on April 13 at San Buenaventura Mission in Ventura and she was laid to rest at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura.

Funeral directors www.CrippenMortuary.com