Zella L. Cantrall

Zella L. Cantrall, 87, of Springfield, died at 1:40 p.m. on Sunday, May 14, 2006 at her residence. Zella was born on March 5, 1919, in Novinger, MO, the daughter of William B. and Iva E. Littrell Miller. She married Carl Bernard Bretz on July 17, 1938; he preceded her in death on May 13, 1945. She then married Verney J. Cantrall on April 2, 1966; he preceded her in death on January 18, 1987. She graduated from Novinger High School in Novinger, MO in 1935. She was a part-time teacher for Novinger Elementary School and during WWII she ran a weekly newspaper in Novinger, while the owner was serving in the U.S. Navy. She was employed as a claims auditor at Mutual of Omaha from 1966 until her retirement in 1986. In 1988 she worked under Project Life at the Senior Center, Illinois Retired Teacher’s Association and St. John’s Third Age Living until 2001. She was a lifetime member of the DAV Auxiliary and served as Commander for DAV Auxiliary Unit 15 in 1987. She was also a member of VFW Auxiliary Post #755. She was of Baptist faith and her faith was an important part of her life. She played high school basketball and softball and played on a local softball team. She enjoyed camping and fishing when she was young and enjoyed spending time with her family. Zella was a fun, vivacious lady who will be remembered for her strong will and love of her family. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother: Edlo Miller and one sister: Lora Mae Chitwood. She is survived by one daughter: Carlene (husband, Goble) Jessup of Cadiz, KY; two step-sons: James T. Cantrall of Springfield and Verney J. (wife, Tina) Cantrall, Jr. of Glenarm, IL; one granddaughter: Cheri (husband, Ken) Elmore of Waggoner, IL; several step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren: Sam and Ailie Elmore of Waggoner, IL; several step-great-grandchildren; five sister-in-laws: Ganelle Miller of Neosha, MO, Mary Ellen Green, Valerie Hohimer, Laura Ratkie and Drucilla Fahrenbacher all of Springfield; one brother-in-law: Henry (wife, Juanita) Cantrall of Springfield and several nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Services will be held at 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, with Rev. Mary Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702-1766. The family of Zella L. Cantrall is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.