Ringgold, Louisiana — Evelyn Celeste Drone Johnson, 68, of Ringgold, Louisiana, formerly of Springfield, Illinois, died Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at Christus Highland Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was born March 11, 1956, in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of Donald A. and Evelyn B. Damery Drone. She was preceded in death by her father, Don, and her stepfather, Robert Wanless.

Celeste graduated from Southeast High School in Springfield in 1974, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. She attended the Morven Park International Equestrian Center in Leesburg, Virginia. Celeste was an avid lover of horses and was a riding and jumping instructor. She also enjoyed cooking, reading, writing and gardening.

She is survived by her mother, Evelyn Wanless, of Springfield; her son, Walter W. Short, of Salem, Ohio; two daughters, Cleo T. (husband, James R.) Kelly Jr. and Mary Francis Johnson, both of West Monroe, Louisiana; one brother, Craig A. (Leann Taylor) Drone, of Taylorville; a half-sister, Laura Banse, of Springfield; a half-brother, Karl Drone, of Springfield; a stepbrother, Michael Derry, of Witt; six grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Celeste's family will meet family and friends from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home at 530 N. Fifth St. in Springfield. A graveside service will follow at 1 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery near Riverton, with Rev. Larry Hanson officiating.

Memorials honoring Celeste may be made to the Springfield Noon Lions Club Foundation, P.O. Box 5441, Springfield, IL 62705-5441 or to the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, IL 62702.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of Celeste Johnson. Online condolences may be expressed at www.curryfh.com.