Martha Jonelle Pleasance

Martha Jonelle (Henneberg) Pleasance, a devoted wife, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, and community leader, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family.

Born on September 21, 1947, in Los Angeles, California, Jonelle attended University High School and later studied at UCLA. She played the cello and was active in Job’s Daughters.

In 1968, she married William "Bill" Pleasance and moved to Seattle. In their early years together, Jonelle helped keep the books for Bill's barber shop and worked as a teller at People’s Bank in Renton in the early 1970s.

Though they faced the heartbreak of losing their infant son, Bradley (born 1969, died 1970), Jonelle focused her energy on supporting her family and community.

Jonelle was a member at Zion Lutheran Church in Kent, Washington, for many years. She supported her children's activities in the Boy Scouts and 4-H, and she served as the scorekeeper at her son's Little League baseball games.

Her career was centered on the Auburn and Renton school districts, where she worked as a teacher’s aide, recess teacher, and in the attendance and career counseling offices. She was also highly involved with the Soos Creek Area Response (SCAR).

Jonelle was a passionate reader who loved science fiction and enjoyed romance novels. She enjoyed hosting Pinochle parties and all sorts of social and holiday gatherings. A great cook, she enjoyed trying new recipes and sharing food with friends and family. Jonelle's sense of fun was enjoyed by many.

Jonelle is survived by her husband, Bill; her sister, Georgette; her children, David Pleasance, and Martha (Pleasance) Koch and her husband, Axel Koch; and her grandchildren, Hannah, Benjamin, Maximilian, and Thomas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Martha Henneberg; her sister, Gerene; and her infant son, Bradley.

Celebration of Life will be held Monday, October, 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Askew Funeral Home, Cavalier, ND. Burial will be at the Peter's Cemetery, Cavalier, ND.