Our mother, who graced this world with compassion, generosity, and selflessness, passed away on Nov. 15, 2025. Born in 1943, she was the daughter of Frank Susnik Jr. and Millie (Poncha) Susnik. Her life was greatly influenced by her early childhood experience living on her maternal grandparents’ small farm in Litchfield with her mother and brother. She was incredibly close to her grandmother, Rose Poncha, who always made her heart happy. As she beautifully put it: "She made me laugh, she made me think."
During this time, Marilyn’s father was stationed in Europe during WWII. She and her oldest brother Ronnie (born 1941) lived and loved a country life; in this setting, she began her lifelong love of nature, culminating in her passion for gardening and her compassion for animals. In 1948, her family was joined by Janice, a little sister who adored her, and then in 1955 by her youngest brother, Bobby.
Marilyn graduated from College High School in 1961. Shortly thereafter, she married her high school sweetheart, Jim Cessna. From this union of love, a son, Michael, was born in 1962 and a daughter, Lori, in 1966. It was a loving marriage of hope, high expectations, and hardship. With Marilyn’s help and encouragement, Jim finished his pre-med degree at PSU and was accepted at Kansas University Medical Center for his internship. Marilyn completed her degree in nursing and worked the night shift at KUMC. It was quite a challenge for the young couple, yet they persevered, and Jim achieved his medical degree. Later they divorced, and Marilyn’s path led her back to Pittsburg and a nursing role at Mt. Carmel. To ensure her children were always cared for, she tirelessly took on extra work — a testament to her deep devotion and the boundless love she held for them. Eventually, she met and married Bill Merando, whom she spent the remaining part of her life with until his death in 2017.
Marilyn’s long tenure at the hospital now known as Mercy — formerly Mt. Carmel and Via Christi — was defined by her unwavering commitment. A tireless worker who found true joy in nursing, she provided exceptional care to every patient she treated, carrying a formidable work ethic she credited to her upbringing. In 1998, Marilyn was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer and ultimately retired from Mt. Carmel after 25 years of service. Marilyn was a fighter; she completed a grueling regimen of chemo and radiation, followed by another round of chemo. She was eventually considered cancer-free and remained that way for 25 years.
After retiring from the hospital and completing her treatment, she continued to work, but this time focusing on something she loved: gardening. At one point, she was featured in The Morning Sun in an article titled “The Healing Garden.” Marilyn had hand-planted over 60 rose bushes and more than 50 varieties of flowers. All this was done by hand, with no tiller involved. In the garden, Marilyn explained that she cared for the flowers and, in turn, received their beauty, fragrance, and the peace of a job well done. She found the garden an ideal place to meditate and pray; it comforted her just as she had comforted her patients. She believed we need to work with the soil, connect with the earth, and take strength from it. And although she admitted it was a cliché, she truly believed we need to stop and smell the roses.
Marilyn’s work ethic existed alongside deep compassion, not only for her patients but for all of God’s creatures. She turned no animal away. Whether it was abandoned cats, raccoons, or opossums, she made sure they had food and shelter. Even as she faced her own battle with a new cancer diagnosis, Marilyn’s spirit of care never wavered. During her last six months, she rescued a pregnant stray, giving her the shelter she needed to safely deliver five kittens. The arrival of those kittens brought her great joy and served as a beautiful light during her final months.
Compassionate until the end — loving, giving, and caring — she was the most selfless person I have ever known. She was the best Mom, Grandma, Sister, Aunt, Niece, and friend. She will forever be missed and will leave a hole in our hearts. Marilyn leaves behind an extended family who admired, loved, and cherished her. She will always be a shining example of hope, courage, and perseverance in the face of hardship.
Family gathered for a Celebration of Life held at her beautiful home, hosted by her daughter, Lori. Survivors include her son, Michael (Vada) Cessna of Pittsburg; daughter, Lori (LaGene) Mitchell of Pittsburg; grandson, Jonathan Cessna of Gravette, AR; grandson, Nathaniel Cessna of Pittsburg; and granddaughter, Sarah Valentine of Lee’s Summit, MO. She is also survived by her brothers, Ron (Karlene) Susnik of Lowell, AR, and Bob (Glenda) Susnik of Pittsburg; sister, Janice (Terry) Bartlow of Pittsburg; nephews, Jon (Amy) Bartlow and Jason (Megan) Susnik, both of Pittsburg; nieces, Jennifer (Mark) McWhorter of Rogers, AR, Christina (Jeremy) Bartlow-LaRue of Pittsburg, and Emily (Cory) Schnabel of Overland Park, KS; four great-nephews, two great-nieces, two first cousins, Craig Susnik and Nancy Dungan, and her close childhood friend, Donna Morgan. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Frank Susnik Jr.; her first husband, Dr. James Cessna; and her second husband, Bill Merando.
Marilyn’s family suggests that those wishing to honor her memory consider a contribution to the SEK Humane Society, a cause close to her heart.
