Linda Carole Cantrell

Linda Carole Cantrell

Linda Carole Cantrell, 76, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully in the home of her daughter Dina, on April 19th, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she lived the last 4 months of her life. She was under the care of Caris Hospice, who loved her well in her final days. Linda was born on December 14th, 1935 in Springfield to Robert and Lydia "Ray" Blackaby, grew up in Forsyth and Springfield, and graduated from Central High School. Linda worked the majority of her life in the title department at Friendly Ford, Inc., and before that at Central Dodge of Springfield. She was better known to many as "Linda Dinda" or "Gaga".

She was married to Dean Cantrell, who preceded her in death in 1989. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Jack and Bailey Blackaby, a niece, Lisa, and her best friend, dearest companion, and sister, Lola Sewell. She is survived by two daughters; Michelle Barnes and husband Randy of Lawrence, Kansas, Dina Burson and husband Brad of Knoxville, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Carly and Evan Barnes, and Cameron and Skylar Burson; five nieces, Karen Nimmo and husband Buster, Belinda Tucker and husband Steve, Cathy Jones and husband Corey, Cindy Murphy and husband John, Cristy Westerfield and husband Joel; great nieces and nephews, Kevin Nimmo and Angela Reynolds, Russell Tucker and Karla Thompson, Conner and Cailey Jones, Scarlett and Landyn Murphy, and Hannah and Hayden Westerfield, and other special family members.

She loved music, lilacs, the lake, the beach, the sun, dogs, ice-cream, playing games, and being with her family. She gave of herself lovingly and never turned away from anyone needing a listening ear. Linda was truly adored by all who were blessed to know her…always making others feel comfortable in her presence. Her smile was contagious and her devotion-unmatched. She had the most magical sense of humor, and brought laughter with her wherever she went.

She had no doubt that she was going to her perfect, eternal home with her Savior Jesus Christ, whom she trusted with her life.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 29th at 3:00 P.M. in the First Baptist Church of Ozark, 1400 West Jackson, Ozark, MO. Arrangements were made by Cremation Options of Knoxville, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to your local Humane Society. As there will be no graveside interment, family and friends are welcome to visit immediately following the memorial service.