Martha Ann Cessna passed away peacefully on July 26, 2024. She was born on Jan. 5, 1943, in DeSoto, Illinois, to Fred and Elsie Snyder. The family moved to California when Martha was three and a half years old. She lived in Bieber, California, until she married John Cessna in 1959 and then resided in Fall River Mills, California. They added four children to their family: Doretta, Dennis, Doreen, and Daniel.
In 1966, the family moved to Red Bluff where John continued to work for the U.S. Forest Service. Martha became very involved in PTA, Little League, 4-H, and Girl Scouts. She also did childcare for several families. In 1975, the family moved to Chester, California, when John was transferred. She continued to be very active in the community. These activities now included helping with Chester Fire Department events. She attended a lot of sporting and school events first for her children and then for her grandchildren.
Martha moved to Chico in 2000 after John passed away in 1996. She continued to be active by joining a widowhood group and meeting new friends. She always made a point of staying close to all of the friends she met over the years.
Martha is survived by her children: Doretta Petlowany (Mark Hardesty), Dennis Cessna, Doreen Cessna, and Daniel Cessna (Tammy); eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren; sister Iva Snyder; sister-in-law Freda Hatton, and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Christ, 995 E. Lassen Ave, Chico, CA 95973.
