Celesta Griess

Sutton resident Celesta Ann Griess, 86, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Bryan Medical Center West Campus in Lincoln.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sutton, with Rev. Tim Stacy officiating.  Interment will follow at the Sutton Cemetery.  Visitation will be Friday, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m., with the family present from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., at Sutton Memorial Chapel in Sutton.  
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be designated later.
Condolences may be left at www.suttonmemorial.com.
Celesta Ann was born on November 22, 1939, in Wahoo, to Constance Iona (Hillyer) and Homer Dau Maynard. While Celesta was in elementary school, her family moved to Davenport. Celesta graduated from Davenport High School in 1958 and fondly remembered special trips after school to get a bottle of pop. After graduation, her family moved to Geneva, where Celesta worked for Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph as a telephone operator.
Celesta met Ervin M. Griess shortly after he returned home from service in Korea. On August 24, 1960, a day she always considered one of the happiest of her life, they were united in marriage in Geneva. Together, they built a life first in Sutton and later on the family farm, where they raised their four children: Carol, Cheryl, Craig, and Christine.
Above all else, Celesta loved being a mother and grandmother. Her family was the center of her world, and she found her greatest joy in caring for and supporting those she loved. Whether it was attending school events, cheering from the sidelines at activities, helping with 4-H projects, or simply spending time together around the kitchen table, she made every child and grandchild feel deeply loved and important. She especially treasured learning to speak German alongside her children, creating memories that brought her great happiness.
As her family grew, so did her pride and love for each grandchild and great-grandchild. Celesta rarely missed an activity, game, concert, or milestone celebration. She was their biggest fan, always encouraging them, celebrating their accomplishments, and making them feel special. Her grandchildren will forever remember her warm hugs, home-cooked meals, baked treats, thoughtful gifts, and the way she made every gathering feel like home.
Celesta was a dedicated farm wife who enjoyed gardening, canning, and tending to her flowers. She also served many roles at the Sutton Community Home over the years including, the assisted living when it opened.  She genuinely loved caring for others and treasured the many friendships she made throughout her career.
In their younger years, Ervin and Celesta could often be found dancing on Saturday nights, and later they enjoyed spending evenings together at the races. Celesta was active in Pork Producers and loved traveling and shopping, especially trips to Branson. Still, no destination or activity brought her more happiness than being surrounded by her family. She showed her love in countless quiet ways, always making sure everyone felt cared for and welcomed.
Celesta is survived by her husband, Ervin; children, Carol Schultz; Cheryl (Scott) Deskines of Grand Island; and Craig (Dana) Griess of Sutton; grandchildren, Kyle (Melissa) Hagemeister; Kayla (Chad) McWhirter; Nathan Griess; Brayden Griess; and Katelyn Griess; and great-grandchildren, Adelynn; Ava; and Amelia McWhirter and Logan Hagemeister.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Constance; her sister, Betty Wiesman; her daughter, Christine Griess; her son-in-law, Ron Hagemeister; and other beloved family members.