Martha Jane Essig, 79, of Richmond, died Thursday, March 19, 2020, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Martha was born on October 7, 1940, in Bergman, AR, the daughter of Clay and Josephine (Sands) Cook.  She was first united in marriage to Johnny Woodrow Danner, Sr. of Richmond; they later divorced.  She was then married to Charles Eldon Essig, Sr. of Richmond on August 14, 1993; he preceded her in death on February 15, 2002.

Survivors include: sons, David Danner of Richmond; four step-sons: Ronnie (Wendy) Essig of Richmond Kirk Essig of Camden, Douglas Essig of Eagle Rock, and Ralph (Kathy) Essig of Richmond; half-brother, Jimmy Cook of Birmingham, AL; stepdaughter, Glenda (Linn) Pulliam of OK; four sisters: Bea (John) Hyder of Richmond, Janice Mitchell of Joplin, Mary James of Chillicothe, and Joetta Phillips of Hot Springs, AR; half-sister, Janice Cook of Birmingham, AL; several grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Charles Essig, Sr., sons, Johnny Danner, Jr. and Norman Danner, daughter, Debora Gardner, stepson, Charles Essig, Jr., brother, Cecil Cook, half-brothers, James Cook and Jackie Cook, and half-sister, Carolyn Cook.

Martha came to the Richmond area as a child and graduated from the Richmond High School.  She worked for many years at the Price Candy Factory, until she retired.  Martha was a loving person that tried making people happy.  She loved traveling with her husband and many other family members.  Martha enjoyed all her family, especially her grandchildren.  She will be missed dearly by all her family and friends.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Martha Jane Essig Memorial Fund.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at Richmond Memory Gardens.  Please remember to share your memories of Martha with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com .