Julia Celley

Julia Maxine Wright Celley quietly passed away on March 22, 2025 at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center in Bismarck, ND.

Julia was born March 26, 1926 in Laurens, Iowa, to Steven and Sadie (Atkinson) Wright. She was one of five children. At the age of 3, her family moved to Los Angeles, California, where her father took a job at Hughes Aircraft. A memory she would share was, as a young girl, she witnessed the only flight of Howard Hughes “Spruce Goose”.

After high school graduation, Julia attended Nyack Bible College in Nyack, New York, where she met Harold Rambo. Harold and Julia were married in 1948 in California. Following Harold’s ministry path, they moved to Iowa, West Virginia, Illinois, Colorado and eventually North Dakota, having their five children along the way. They settled in Bismarck in 1971.

Julia obtained a Master’s Degree in Education through the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND. She taught school in both Williston and Bismarck for 35 years. Her final teaching position was with the Adult Learning Center at South Central High School in Bismarck. In 1992, she was named Outstanding Adult Education Teacher of the year by the ND Adult Education Association, having been nominated by one of her students.

Julia married Roland Celley in 1983. They lived in Wing, ND until 1995, when they moved to Bismarck. Roland had five children, Mary Fischer, Roland Celley, Jr., Donna Bjerklie, Charles Celley and Robert Celley. In 1995, Julia and Roland moved to Edgewood Vista in Bismarck. After a brief hospital stay in January 2025, Julia moved into Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center, Bismarck.

Julia was deeply devoted to her family. She welcomed everyone who joined her family with love. She maintained a very strong faith through her entire life. She had a kind nature and an infectious laugh.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents, her four siblings, her husband, Roland, and her son in law, Don James Mattson.

Julia is survived by her children, Marge (Rambo) Mattson in Oregon, James Rambo in Mandan, John & Becky (Ridenour) Rambo in Indiana, Jeff & Leslee (Titus) in Iowa and Judy (Rambo) & Ivan Tschider in Bismarck. Julia’s greatest joy was spending time with her 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and the anticipation of her first great great grandchild.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM, July 18 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. 

Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Mandan.