Celeste Youtz

Celeste was born on August 8, 1928, to Celso and Vicenta Rivera, in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, where she spent the first 12 years of her life. The family moved to Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, where she graduated from high school. After graduation, she attended secretarial school and later worked as a court stenographer. She loved music and was very proud of her career as a professional dancer for a few years.

While working at Ramey Air Force Base in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, she met the love of her life, a young airman in the US Air Force from Salem, Ohio, by the name of Wilbur “Bud” G. Youtz. They were married in 1956 and as a military wife was able to travel extensively to different places including Panama.

After retiring from the Air Force life, they made Orlando, Florida their home in 1976. She spent most of her time raising her children but was able to work for Marriott In-flight Services for 16 years until she retired. She was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church since 1977 where she enjoyed singing in the choir as a soprano for many years. She was an avid fan of Elvis Presley and saw him in concert various times. She attended his funeral and visited Graceland in Memphis on several occasions. Her favorite color was red and she loved jewelry and lots of “bling”.

She is survived by her brother, Ferdinand Rivera, 96 years old, of Mayaguez, PR, and her eight children: Zaida Vargas of San Juan, PR; Norma Adkins (Dennis) of Charleston, WV; Ruth Coleman, Debbie Dowling (Jeff), Dana May (Dan), Angela Shroyer, Charles Youtz and Wilbur Youtz, Jr, all of Orlando, Florida. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren and one on the way as well as many nieces and nephews, all a very important part of her life.