Martha Ann Hockman Rennie

The staff at Heishman Funeral Home, Inc. send condolences to the family of Martha Ann Hockman Rennie. Martha Ann Hockman Rennie, 94, passed away peacefully at her home on April 26, 2026 at Waverly Farm in Strasburg, VA, with her family by her side. Mrs. Rennie was born in Strasburg on February 22, 1932, to Chester Mason Hockman and Catherine Romaine Hottle Hockman. When she was young she rode her beloved pony, Beauty, to school while attending Top Knot Elementary. She graduated from Strasburg High in 1949 and went on to attend Beauty School of Woodrow Wilson. Martha started her first job as a licensed beautician at Clements Beauty Parlor in Woodstock, VA. Martha and John were high school sweethearts and were married in Hagerstown, MD on January 19, 1951. A common tradition back then was a celebration of marriage called belling where the groom pushed the bride in a wheelbarrow down main street Strasburg while being followed by cars blowing horns in celebration. This was a favorite memory for both of them. John and Martha just recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in January. Martha and John raised four children: Carolyn Roller (Ron), Gail Simmons, Diane Little Holt (Robbie), all of Strasburg, and Marshall Rennie (Beth) of Fredericksburg. They had six grandchildren; Brian, Jaclyn, Jason, Adam, Evan and Miranda, four step-grandchildren; Kristi Little Spaid and Mark Roller, Jason Holt and Ashley Klink, six great grandchildren; Claire, Eli, Cooper, Noah, Cole and Carter, eight step-great grandchildren; Brady, Sachel, Kaden, Will, Ryan, Kennedy, Aiden, and Aaron. She is survived by her sister, Sally Hockman, and several nephews and nieces. Martha operated her beauty shop from her kitchen at home, beginning with family and friends in the 1950’s. As her clientele grew, John added an addition to their home, allowing Martha to own her beauty parlor which she operated for many years. She would also make house calls to shut-ins when needed. She retired at 85 after 65 years of service to many clients. Martha loved the farm life which included gardening, canning and housework, but on occasions you would see her wearing a straw hat on the tractor in the hayfields raking hay for Johnnie. She was famous for her fried chicken and apple pies. Martha was preceded in death by her mother and father, her siblings Sue Hockman, Dan Hockman, Dwight Hockman, Doug Hockman, Warren Hockman, and nephew Chuck Hockman, sons-in-laws Gary Little and Dennis Simmons. Martha embraced service over self-interest and prioritized her family’s needs over personal desires. “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” A very special thank you to the caregivers Desi Edwards, Charity Stead, and Rachael Coe for all of the love and care they showed mom and family. Also a special thank you to Blue Ridge Hospice for their care during mom’s illness. Graveside services will be held, Friday, May 1, 2026, at 2:00 pm at St. Stephens Cemetery in Strasburg, VA. Pastor Robert Funkhouser will officiate. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Winchester, VA 22601.

Martha Ann Hockman Rennie

February 22, 1932 - April 26, 2026