Celeste Earlene Mauldin

Because her father served in the military, Celeste spent much of her childhood moving from place to place. She eventually settled in Denver with her younger brother, Wayne, her mother, Evelyn, and her grandmother, Grace. It was there that her mother met Allen Mauldin, who later became Celeste’s stepfather. The family later moved to Ault, Colorado, where Celeste graduated from Highland High School in 1972. She loved both of her fathers deeply and was proud to carry the Mauldin name.

Celeste attended the University of Northern Colorado, where she studied art and had the opportunity to study in Italy. Her adventurous spirit later took her to Alaska, where she lived in the area of the Forty-Mile River. During her time there, she enjoyed studying wildlife and wildflowers, tending a garden, and collecting many stories of her adventures in the Alaskan wilderness. She later lived in Arizona and Colorado. At one point, her artwork was featured in a studio in Mancos, Colorado, where she also shared her talents by giving art lessons.

In 1989, Celeste became a single mother to her daughter, Jessica. Determined to build a meaningful career, she returned to school and graduated from Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado. She went on to teach throughout several communities in Colorado, working with students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Over the years she taught a wide range of subjects, including Art, Science, Literature, Special Education, and Yearbook. Education and a love of lifelong learning were always central to her life.

Later in life, Celeste was diagnosed with autism and eventually retired from teaching. Even in retirement, she remained engaged with others, participating in online communities and finding fellowship through her church, particularly with Celebrate Recovery.

Celeste had a deep love for animals and shared her life with several beloved dogs over the years. She enjoyed spending time with friends, whether watching movies together or sharing good food. She also maintained friendships that stretched back to her earliest school days, keeping in touch with people from first grade through the present.

One of Celeste’s greatest joys was becoming a grandmother to her granddaughter, Skyler, of whom she was immensely proud.

Celeste is survived by her daughter, Jessica; her granddaughter, Skyler; her brother, Wayne; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Evelyn Mauldin; her father, Floid Witherelle; her grandparents, Earl and Grace Johnson; and her aunt, Doris Reid.

Celeste's memorial service will be held on March 21st 11 am at Living Grace Baptist Church with a lunch to follow.