Anna Mae Cantrell (Seymour)'s Obituary
Anna Mae (Ashley) Cantrell, daughter of Willie and Rosella (Dunnegan) Ashley was born September 4, 1927 in Seymour, Missouri. She departed this life Friday, August 24, 2012 surrounded by loved ones in her home at the age of eighty-four years, eleven months and twenty days.
On May 29, 1943 she was united in marriage to Woodrow Cantrell and to this union one son and two daughters were born. Born and raised here in the Seymour area, Anna and Woody settled down to start their family. They moved to California in the early 1960’s and then returned to the Hartville area for several years. During this time Anna found favor in cooking for others and even owned several restaurants. Moving back to Seymour in the late 1970’s, she opened the Anchor Inn. Always working hard she cooked for several diners in the Wright and Webster counties, including A-1Diner, Glenwood Healthcare and of course her favorite position, for her grandchildren and their children.
Anna was a member of the Pentecostal faith. This faith was the foundation of her life and the love she had for her Lord was the special ingredient in her cooking. She worked tirelessly serving others giving more than food, but of herself. Mam-ma was like none other and she taught her family the importance of trusting in the Lord, sharing his love with others and finding joy in the simple blessings he gives so freely. She enjoyed music and shared her talents of playing guitar, and singing to worship her Lord.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of fifty years, Woody Cantrell; her grandson Nick Johnson; her son-in-law Glenn Johnson; her brothers Dooley, Lee and Junior Ashley; and her sisters Verba Moore, Vestal Coday, Effie Odle, Evelyn Cardwell and Alma Trapp.
Anna leaves behind her son Harold (Max) Cantrell of the home; her daughters Shirley Johnson of Seymour, Missouri and Janice Mace of Mansfield, Missouri; her grandchildren Terry Johnson, Bob Johnson, Jim Johnson and Stephen Johnson, Michele Nichols, Davey Mace, Darren Mace, Damon Mace, Robin Mace, Erica Mace and Alisha Mace, Regina Mace, Dakota Cantrell, Jessica Matney and Jordan Cantrell; 18 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and a host of family and many dear neighbors and friends.
Although Anna always worked hard, she played hard too. She enjoyed the excitement of WWE, the thrill of NASCAR and an avid fan of Cardinal’s baseball. Anna’s excitement for these sports will always be treasured memories for those she loved.
Anna Mae Cantrell was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, sister, aunt and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and accomplishments and will cherish the moments we shared knowing that one day we will meet again.
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