Marilyn Miller Cantrell

Marilyn Miller Cantrell August 28, 1931 - February 28, 2006 JANESVILLE, WI— Marilyn Miller Cantrell died at Mercy Hospital in Janesville, Wisconsin on Tuesday, February 28, 2006. Funeral services for Ms. Cantrell were held at Toynton's Sharon Funeral Home at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 8, 2006 with Al Gaitosh officiating. A graveside service followed at Mount Phillips Cemetery, Bradford, Wisconsin. Pallbearers were Bambi Cantrell Smith, Candy Cantrell, John Cantrell, Jr., Buzzy Walnoah, Steve Smith and Cameron Smith. Ms. Cantrell resided in Columbus for 18 years prior to moving to Darien, WI. She was born August 28, 1931, in Peoria, Illinois, daughter of the late Donald Miller and Ruth Cork Miller. She graduated from Blue Island Community High School in 1950. Ms. Cantrell was a homemaker for many years caring for her four children, and graduated from Columbus Technical College with a nursing degree. She was employed at Lakeland Nursing Home in the Dietary Department in Elkhorn, WI. She was also an accomplished artist and loved to paint, sew elaborate quilts and dolls, remodel her home and was very proud of her flower garden. Her work as an artist has been permanently displayed in the Sharon, Wisconsin library. As much as she enjoyed these endeavors, she never forgot the importance of family and could be found at her sister Patsy's home on a daily basis. Ms. Cantrell was preceded in death by her husband, John Cauthin Cantrell, Sr., and a daughter, Dawn Renee Floyd. She is survived by three children, Bambi Cantrell Smith of Pleasant Hill, CA; Candy Cantrell of Columbus, GA; and John Cantrell, Jr. of Delavan, WI; three sisters, Patsy Clark of Sharon, WI; Judy Naughton of Manteno, IL; and Diane Schreyer of Manteno, IL; two brothers, Vince Walnoah of Sharon, WI and Buzzy Walnoah of Oak Forest, IL; four grandchildren, Cameron Smith of San Diego, CA; Casey Meyers of Columbus, GA; Cassie Cantrell and John Cantrell, III ("Tre") Cantrell of Delevan, WI and her two adopted "furry" friends, Maggie and Hazel. "Among the many wonderful qualities our mother possessed, endurance, tenacity, honesty and a quick wit were her best. In her youth, she made many sacrifices for the sake of her children, whether it be taking in ironing or working in the local school. There were certainly times growing up when things were tough, but mom did whatever it took to help provide for her family. She was a hard worker and made sure she provided for her children. May we all imitate her. We will all miss her terribly," commented her oldest daughter, Bambi Cantrell Smith.