Desiree Lia Moulton Obituary (1982 - 2023)

MOULTON, Desiree Lia - age 41, of Dayton, Ohio, died unexpectedly of complications related to the treatment of her recently diagnosed cancer on New Year's Eve (12.31.23, at 11:11 am. Desiree loved the uniqueness of certain dates). She was often described as "larger than life" for her enthusiasm for the moment, infectious laugh and beautiful smile, Desiree always made everyone feel included and loved. She was born in Salt Lake City, UT in 1982 to Richard and Celeste (nee Perez) Estes. Desiree's ability to make others feel like they have always been friends comes from her years growing up in many different cities, countries, and cultures. Never staying in one place for more than five years, her father's employment took them to Concord, CA; Erie, PA; West Jordan, UT; Wales, WI; Mexico City, Mexico; San Antonio, TX; and Sao Paulo, Brazil where she graduated from high school at Graded-The American School of Sao Paulo. Wanting to attend her father's alma mater, Desiree's acceptance to the University of Utah brought her back to her birthplace. Along that international journey Desiree became fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. She will always be remembered by all who knew her as a vivacious, happy little girl who excelled in academics and sports. Her skills and highly competitive nature (which she learned early from her father), often found her outcompeting young men in swimming, softball, and basketball (we know she could beat her brothers and most of brothers-in-law in one-on-one pickup games). Shooting hoops wasn't her only strength, put a shotgun in her hands and she would burst clay pigeons in skeet competitions better than any of the men in the family. And we all knew that going up against her in a game of Hearts, classic Mario video games, or a game of Ping Pong was most likely a losing proposition for the rest of us. Because of her sharp and quick wit, she was a master at delivering verbal jabs throughout any competition. Known as "Desi" among family and friends, she will be fondly remembered for the love she showed all, along with her confidence and inquisitive nature to understand the "Why?" of all things. She loved being organized and was adored by those she worked with for her attention to detail. Everything had a place and nothing new was added unless something old was taken out. If you walked into a room and only heard one laugh, it would be Desiree's. That laugh helped everyone feel comfortable and made them feel like they could have as much fun as she was having. She always took the opportunity to tell her loved ones how she felt through her words and actions and said "I love you" often. Desiree met the love of her life, Christopher in 2001 while attending a church sponsored Young Single Adult gathering where they were celebrating her birthday. A mutual friend had invited Chris to attend the activity and when Chris laid eyes on Desiree he immediately thought she was a "Babe", but believed she was older than him. Because it was her birthday party, Chris quickly found out they were the same age. Not long after they went on their first date. Chris knew it was true love when he got food poisoning and ended up leaving the remnants of his poor food choices all over Desiree's condo. She lovingly cleaned up after him and the story has become legend. Chris joined the Air Force and after attending his basic and technical training, the two of them solemnized their marriage in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where they became eternal companions on May 15, 2004. Their journey would take them to Panama City, FL; a year separated as Chris served in Korea and Desiree lived with her parents in Mexico; Edwards Air Force Base, CA; Weatherford, TX; Las Vegas, NV; and Dayton, OH. As a military wife, she sacrificed so much because of the love she had for her husband and her willingness to support his career in service to our Country. Desiree's greatest achievements and joy in life were her family as a stay-at-home mother and wife. Penelope (Penny) and Maxwell (Max), were both born in Lancaster, CA. The love, protection, care, praise, and support she provided her children was something everyone admired her for. Penny and Max were able to share their love for their mother the night before her passing, each with a touching tribute of what their mom meant to them, what her example has taught them, and especially their mother's deep devotion for the Lord, Jesus Christ and her testimony of His loving grace and atonement. They even shared some humorous moments about her favorite TV show (Golden Girls by a long shot), favorite games, and the happiest they remember seeing her. Friends were always an important part of Desiree. Throughout her life she connected with individuals in such a warm and embracing way that those friendships have endured the years. Her friends would describe her as; hilarious, reliable, consistent, bold, trustworthy, faithful, comforting, loving, warm, having unwavering positivity, special, passionate, upright, and remarkable. Her "Besties" know who they are and the memories of experiences, conversations, tears, and lots of laughs, will never be forgotten. As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Desiree was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ and lived a life to its highest standards in the home as she taught her husband and children, among the young women to whom she was often a leader, as a teacher in the many wards she attended, and as she ministered to so many who needed a listening ear, a loving embrace, and a little joy in their lives. Whether it was a question she would ask others about what they thought about her hair, that infectious laugh, her competitiveness while playing a game, her beauty and style, or her devotion to her family, Desiree will always be remembered for her willingness to help everyone feel welcomed and loved. She was an amazing wife, mother, best friend, the best sister to her brothers and brothers-in-law, and a choice daughter of God. Desiree will always be a cherished thought and memory for all who knew and loved her. We'll always imagine hearing her say "Well Hello" and her dear mother will always imagine hearing her lovely daughter say "Hi Mamacita". Was Desiree Moulton larger than life? She absolutely was to all who knew and loved her. She will be missed every day and her memory will live in the hearts of all who ever witnessed that beautiful smile and felt her loving embrace. Great care has been entrusted to Schlientz & Moore Funeral Home - 1632 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45410. Condolences, fond memories & photos may be shared at www.DaytonFunerals.com A memorial service will be held on January 6th, at 11 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting house located at 3072 Shakertown Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45434. In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to donate to an education fund for Desiree's children, Penny and Max at https://gofund.me/0d44ec1a