Mildred Illene Cessna

Mildred Illene Cessna, age 99, passed away peacefully October 17, 2026 at the family farm.

Illene was born to a farm family in 1927. She grew to help her dad on the farm driving teams of horses, and eventually steel wheeled tractors. In 1945 she married Russell Cessna, a farmer. Then, along with caring for 3 kids, she plowed and disced ground, and much more farm work. She was the first woman to drive a grain truck to Landmark in South Charleston. She and Russell were active members of the Pork Producers, Porkettes, and Farm Bureau. She let us kids pursue our desires– tap dancing lessons, baton twirling lessons, school plays, band instruments and functions, and all the various sports we played. She attended church regularly in South Charleston (then Pitchin), which was home and also helped with various festivals in Pitchin. In her younger years, she played softball in a Springfield Women’s League. She loved fishing and spending time at Indian Lake at our cabin. She also won a 16’3 hull boat motor and hauler which got a lot of use. In spite of all the activities, the farm and farming were the center of mom and our lives. She was truly Dad’s helpmeet. There is no doubt she is now resting with the Lord.

Illene is survived by her children; Diann (Dennis) Storts, Mark (Sheryl) Cessna, and Marcia (Bob) Hervey, grandchildren; Seth (Lisa) Hervey, Jared (Stephanie) Hervey, Jessica (Howard) Dietmeyer, Brianne (JJ) Matthews, Lanett (Tom) Wade, Carson (Andrea) Cessna, and Wyatt (Alex) Hervey, 14 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Russell Cessna, parents, Forrest and Mabel (Driskill) Brookbank, and sister, Marybelle Likes.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 AM at the Ingling Williams & Lewis Funeral Home, South Charleston. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM, officiated by Jake Cultice. Burial to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pitchin Community Church in Illene’s honor. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.jacksonlytle.com.