Margaret "Peggy" Ann Martinson

Margaret Ann “Peggy” Martinson was born in Lake County, California, on September 17, 1939, to Harvey and Ruth McConnell. She went to be with the Lord at the age of 85 on June 25, 2025, passing peacefully in her home in Redwood Valley surrounded by her loving family.

Peggy was the oldest of four children and moved to Ukiah with her family during her childhood, graduating from Ukiah High School in 1957. She married the love of her life, Red Martinson, in 1963. She worked for the Ukiah Unified School District and retired in 2001 as a Personnel Specialist after 20 years of service. After retirement, Peggy discovered a passion for volunteering and organizing. She generously gave her time to many community organizations, including Hospice Thrift of Ukiah, Willits Senior Center and, most recently, Deep Valley Christian School store. She was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2021—a recognition she was deeply proud of and that reflected how much she loved giving back. Peggy was also a devoted member of the Redwood Valley Community Church.

A talented crocheter, Peggy lovingly created beautiful blankets for new parents and each of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even future great-grandchildren. She adored her family and especially cherished time spent with the kids, she loved watching them play. Whether helping on the ranch during harvest or making wine in the busy season, Peggy loved being involved. She attended every Testa event she could and never turned down a good glass of Rosé. She was the best Nana—our biggest fan and forever so proud of us all.

Some of her favorite pastimes also included cross word searches, working in her garden and helping raise animals. One of our most memorable animals was a little deer she raised and named baby. She loved that little deer. She also loved talking on the phone and catching up with her family, she could talk for hours to her sister Janet. If she didn’t catch you on the phone she was known to leave 1-2 minute long voicemails, which we will now cherish forever.

Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Red Martinson, her parents Ruth and Harvey McConnell, and her sister Carol. She is survived by her son Rusty and daughter-in-law Maria Martinson, her sister Janet Ford and her family, her brother Jim McConnel, her six grandchildren and their spouses—TaNea and Justin, Kasandra and Adam, Brandon and Angelia, Kortney and Kyle, Charlie and Sydnie, and Chad and Haylee—as well as her thirteen great-grandchildren: Jeriko, Tanner, Tommy, Bennet, Blake, Lyla, Luke, Mila, Rusty, Jordan, Parker, Red, and Sofia.

Peggy’s family will be holding a private service in her honor this coming week.