Cecelis Ablan Johnson was born on November 22, 1967, in Mindanao, Philippines, to Alejandro Ablan and Victoria Galano Gantala. After a courageous battle with cancer where her faith allowed her to exceed all expectations, she passed away in her beloved home on December 21, 2023, in Valentine.
In the Philippines, Cecelis' education led her to the field of Civil Engineering. She moved to Nebraska and then later married John Johnson on June 25, 2011, in Valentine.
Cecelis was heartfully involved with many Catholic and Christian churches. She was a vocalist and a self-taught musician of multiple instruments to include the piano, guitar, violin, and harp. She shared her love of music with her grandchildren and the local community. Cecelis also had many other special hobbies and interests including photography, a unique connection with animals, master gardener, and was known as a badminton champion. Above all she was passionate about loving life and loving every person she met.
Cecelis was preceded in death by her father, and a grandson, Tyler Jackson.
Those surviving her are her mother; husband, John; children, Jacqueline Argarin, Jayne Halmai and Joseph Johnson. She is also survived by grandchildren, Emberlyn Argarin, Oliver Johnson, Henry Johnson, Madison Halmai and Mason Halmai.
Funeral service for Cecelis Johnson was held on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines. Inurnment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Friend. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines oversaw service arrangements.
