Betty Ann Cantrell
In Fond Memory of Betty Ann Cantrell
(5/7/1925 – 9/1/2022)
Heaven gained another angel September 1, 2022. Betty Ann Cantrell (Vertrees) joined other family and friends in the kingdom of God a few months after celebrating her 97th birthday on May 7th. The last of what was known as the “Modern Nine” and “The Nine Shy Babes” of her high school class that stayed in touch throughout their entire lives. She is survived by her two sons Kevin Blake and Craig Lee, her grandson Christopher Blake and great grand daughter Olivia Grace. Betty was preceded by her late husband of 58 years Gerald Eugene Cantrell (5/12/1925-12/24/2014). A kind and loving soul, Betty will be greatly missed by all.
The Cantrell family will be having an intimate private graveside gathering at Riverside National Cemetery per Betty’s request. Flowers and condolences can be sent to the Cantrell family’s Anaheim home.
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God has chosen for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I’ve now found peace at the end of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things, I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
Look for the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seems all to brief
Don’t lengthen your pain with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and peace to thee,
God wanted me now – He set me free.
7 Comments
Some of my fondest memories as a child were with the Cantrell’s, Betty and Jerry. Regina and I want express our sincere condolences with Betty’s passing. She was an incredible wife to Jerry, Mother to Kevin and a Craig Lee et al, and a WONDERFUL neighbor to all of us “kids” in the neighborhood. It was a “special neighborhood” because of the likes of Betty and Jerry that were a part of a special village looking after all the neighborhood kids as if they were their own.
I will never forget Betty Cantrell, a mentor and a very special LADY!
My late Mom and Dad, Larry and Charlene Stone also revered Betty (and Jerry) with friendship and affection.
I will always love Betty. . While she may be gone today, she will live in my heart forever.
With much affection to the entire Cantrell Family.
Jeff Stone
There’s a void in our home and our hearts that will forever be filled with remembered joys of your love and affection that only a mother can provide. Each of us can only hope to live a life as full as yours. May you rest in peace with loved ones that preceded you forevermore. God bless your soul.
Fred and I loved being neighbors to your family. We loved seeing your smiling face and hearing your voice out front when we would run into you. We’ll never forget how much you loved our little dog, Angel, and always made over our daughter, Kasey. We remember you, too, tending to your flowers and also the stories you would tell. We will miss you, Betty!
I am so sorry for your loss. Betty was an amazing person that blessed me by being in my life. I will always treasure the memories and moments with her. Wishing you and your family all the best.
Betty’s smile and laughter is already missed. In deed our loss is heavens gain. God Bless
Dearest Kevin and Craig,, your parents are (like mine) an earthly example of Heavenly Love. Truly. We had such a wonderful childhood, didn’t we? Our neighborhood , good ole Sylvan Street was like the “Wonder Years”!!!! I remember so clearly that summer your Mom asked me to babysit you two…we were really only a few years apart!! I loved it! You two were such gentlemen! Your house so tidy! I’ll never forget all of you. I’m so grateful for our neighbors. God Bless you and you Mom and Dad are genuinely missed…what a beautiful tribute! All my Love, Nancy St.Paul 🙏🏻❤️
May she rest in peace, She lived a long and wonderful life. She will get to be with Jerry again. We had many great years at Westminster Hospital and I know many will wish her well. She came to our lunches until just a couple years ago. My condolences to Kevin and Craig (I remember you both). She was so proud of the Grandson Chris and the Great Granddaughter.