Thelma E. Cessna

Thelma E. Cessna, 88, of Rochester died Wednesday. February 9, 2005 at Life Care Center.

She was born on July 1, 1916 in Monticello to Arthur and Ellen Sandberg Sprague.

She married C. Howard Robbins on July 12, 1952. He died on June 20, 1973.

She then married Eldon Cessna on October 24, 1981 in Rochester. He died on June 20, 2000.

She graduated from Monon High School in 1934.

She attended Central Normal School in Danville before graduating from Indiana University in 1942 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education.

She was a Rochester resident since 1952 and taught at schools in Buffalo, Monon, Francesville and Rochester Community Schools from 1953-1970.

She started the Woodlawn Hospital Gift Shop in 1974 and continued as a volunteer and co-manager of the Gift Shop.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church, where she had served as deaconess and on the finance board. She was also a member of the Eastern Star, the Tri Kappa sorority as a sustaining member, the Woodlawn Hospital Auxiliary and the Retired Teachers' Association.

Survivors include a step-son, David Cessna of Greeley, Colorado; cousins Karen Holcomb of Logansport, Guy Sandberg and Gordon Sandberg both of Orlando, Florida; Max (Cyndi) Sandberg of Indianapolis; Joyce Sandberg of Logansport; David Sandberg of Logansport; Jessie Sandberg of Royal center, a sister-in-law, Devereux (Eugene) Kelley of Rochester and five step grandchildren.

Visitation wi11 be from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, February 17 at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home in Rochester.

Burial with private graveside services will be conducted at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Rochester, with Rev. Junior Bose, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church or to the Woodlawn Hospital Gift Shop.