Martha Ann Cessna

Martha Ann Cessna passed away peacefully on July 26, 2024. She was born on January 5, 1943 in DeSoto, IL to Fred and Elsie Snyder.  The family moved to CA when Martha was 3 ½ years old.  She lived in Bieber, CA until she married John Cessna in 1959 and then resided in Fall River Mills, Ca.  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 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, CA when John was transferred. She continued to be very active in the community.  These activities now included helping with the Chester Fire Dept 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). She is survived also by eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.  She also survived by her sister, Iva Snyder, and sister-in-law, Freda Hatton, and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 7th at the Church of Christ, 995 E. Lassen Ave, Chico, CA 95973 at 11:00 am.