Marna Jean Burwell (Chesser), age 93, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, in Marysville, Ohio. Born on November 29, 1932, in Nelsonville, Ohio, Marna lived a life marked by devotion to her faith, family, and community.
She attended Union Furnace High School and went on to build a meaningful career that spanned several decades. Marna worked for Toledo Scales and Westerville City Schools before retiring from Mt. Vernon City Schools. Her dedication to her work was matched only by her unwavering commitment to those around her.
Marna was a deeply selfless person who loved her Lord, family, and friends with all her heart. She gave unconditionally—whether through acts of service at home or within the broader community. A devoted member of Gay Street United Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, she was especially active in the women’s group and found joy in giving back through church activities and outreach.
Her passions were many: she delighted in cooking and baking for loved ones, decorating cakes with care and creativity, painting and crafting with a gentle touch, and transforming her home into a festive haven during the Christmas season. Above all else, she cherished time spent with family.
Marna’s legacy lives on through her children: Tom (Bonnie) Loper of Bellefontaine, Ohio; Beverly (Ed) Hartung of Sandusky, Ohio; Randy (Becki) Burwell of Westerville, Ohio; Dari Romero of Jacksonville, Florida; and Sean (Michelle) Johnson of Centerburg, Ohio. She was a proud grandmother to Jason (Lisa) Hartung; Lindsey (Ted) Sturzinger; Brett Burwell; Travis (Lisa) Burwell; Alex (Marissa) Burwell; Jessica Cotton; Jeffrey Cotton; Kim (Terry) Rister; Laura (Tony) Sclesky; and Donnie Johnson. Her love extended to numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She is reunited in peace with her beloved husband Dan Burwell; children Jim Loper, Linda Young, and Rick Burwell; parents Wm Carroll and Nell Chesser; siblings Lloyd Chesser, Betty Wolfe, Donna Cunningham, Millard Chesser, Larry Chesser, and Glenn Chesser; granddaughter Tina Loper; and great-grandson Kyle Johnson.
In keeping with her generous spirit and lifelong commitment to helping others, Marna donated her physical body to The Ohio State University Division of Anatomy to further scientific research—a final act of giving that reflects the essence of who she was.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gay Street United Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon, Ohio or Bella Care Hospice of Westerville, Ohio.
May Marna’s memory continue to inspire kindness and compassion in all who knew her. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 17, 2026, at 01:00 PM at Centerburg Church of Christ 3830 Columbus Rd. Visitation will begin 1 hour prior ( @ 12:00 p.m.) to the service