Obituaries

February 18, 1932 to December 6, 2012

KEWANNA - Barbara Jean Cessna, 80, of Lake Bruce, passed away at 7:10 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 6, at Hickory Creek, Rochester.

Born Febr. 18, 1932 in Kokomo, she was the daughter of the late William E. “Joe” and Mae (Delong) Gooch. On April 14, 1951, she married William A. “Bill” Cessna. He preceded her in death April 10, 2003.

Survivors include her daughters, Deborah L. Cessna of West Lafayette, Kim J. Bowsher and husband, Bruce of Rochester and Barbara Jan Bruce and husband, Tim of Remington. She is also survived by grandchildren Laurie Birchmeier and husband Kevin of Plymouth, Meghan Hazlett of Phoenix, Ariz., Amanda Hazlett of Argos, Kaleb Hazlett of Rochester, Josh Bruce of Chicago and Sarah Bruce of Remington, and two great grandchildren, Lilly Gerald and Wesley Gerald of Argos.

She was also preceded in death by daughter, Denise Ann Cessna.

During her life time, Mrs. Cessna had many “careers”. She was a homemaker and farm wife, licensed pilot, business woman, swim coach and a croquet master. She had also formerly worked at Kewanna Metal Specialties for 13 years. She was a former member of the Rochester Order of Eastern Star. She enjoyed gardening, reading and “picking” antiques. She had a love of all animals and enjoyed caring for them and being outdoors. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a good friend and confidant to many.

Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 :30 pm., Saturday (Dec. 8), at Harrison-Metzger & Rans Funeral Home, Kewanna Chapel. Chaplain Jason See will officiate. Burial will follow at Rochester IOOF Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the National Wildlife Federation and/or the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.