Lois G. Cantrell

Cantrell, Lois G. McTague, 83, passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2012, at TMH, Tallahassee, FL, from complications of a fall.

Born on July 27, 1928, Lois grew up in the hardworking countryside of Holden, Maine, on her grandfather, Hollis McTague's, 1500 acre farm. From sun up till sun down, she worked with her grandparents learning both the value of a dollar and the loving cohesion of family, where milking cows and chopping hay were an everyday occurrence, and summertime vacations only a dream. But it was the music, the romance, the rhythm, and the wildness of the times, from the forties through the seventies that got her juices jumping. This event in turn, set the path for young Lois' spirit to be the fun loving, good time, happy-go-lucky lady that would become her classic persona for the rest of her life. She was a classy lady, classy from the way she carried her tiny frame, to the clothes, and jewelry she stylishly wore. Always sheik, never shabby, Lois was her own unique person from head to toe. Known to all for her high heel shoes, shimmering blouses, spandex Capri pants, and most notably, her trademark, platinum blond French twist hairdo, Lois had style! In the forties, she met the love of her life, Clarence 'Jim' Cantrell, who took her on a whirlwind, romantic adventure that lasted 56 years, until the time of his death. For twenty years, Jim was in the United States Air Force, moving Lois and their two children from base to base throughout the country. But in 1968, Jim retired, relocated from Kokomo, Indiana to Tallahassee, Florida, and built his first Taco Bell in 1969, starting a new entrepreneurial career. Being hard working and successful, they at last lived the American Dream. Lois was an avid sports fan, loving both the Seminoles and the Gators equally, to the dismay of family and friends, but having lived in Tallahassee and Gainesville for a time, she was unwavering in her loyalties. Lois was not only a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; she was a friend, a steadfast friend, a confidant, and advice counselor to all who knew her. If you were depressed, she'd crank up the blender and change a gloomy gus with one flick of the wrist. Lois had a happy zeal for life, complementing her husband 'Herkey' well. Lois just loved a good time! Have a family barbecue, put a vodka toddy in her hand, and Englebert Humperdinck on the stereo, and watch out! Anything could happen!

Lois hated thunderstorms, flying, and some forms of modern technology, but she loved the beach, once owning a beach house between Destin and Panama City, affectionately known as "Lolo's Loft." So, when hurricane Opal took it down, leaving nothing but the kitchen sink wall standing, Lois still found humor in knowing that the "kitchen witch" was still on duty, undefeated, and flying proudly over the now lonely, demolished sink. That's the way she was, a strong Leo, independent, down-to-earth, "tell it like it was" woman that loved fun, family, and friends, and even in hard times, found a little good and humor in almost any situation.

During her final years, her health began to deteriorate, and she could no longer drive. She had fallen a couple of times, breaking her back and a hip in the process, limiting her quality of life. Walking, now with a black rhinestone cane, she began to snicker at the person's wisdom that said "being retired are the Golden Years of life," when all she could do was visit doctors. She even thought that Hell must be here on earth, because of the heartbreaking events that people must endure, like sickness and the sudden loss of her husband. Yet, to the bitter end, she never lost her independent mind, her contagious laughter, and her desire for mirth and merriment with family and friends.

So, for those that loved her, and are grieving for her loss, we choose to believe that she is with her beloved Herkey, young again, without pain, in a beautiful setting drinking an ice cold toddy, and waiting for the day when we'll join her, one by one. Until then, whether we called her Lois, Mom, Mamacita, or Mema, we send her our love. We will never forget you! May God bless and keep you safe, our lovely lady, our Mema.

Lois is survived by: a son, Steve Cantrell, of Tallahassee; a grandson, Joseph M. Cavazos and wife Amy, of Bloomington, Indiana; a granddaughter, Tiffanie G. Nutting and husband Craig, of Tallahassee; five great-grandchildren, Steven, Noah, and Carl-James Cavazos, & Colby and Tayler Nutting; sister, Charlotte Zimmerman, Minneapolis, Minnesota; niece, Anne and nephew, Thomas Zimmerman; their respective children, and many life-long friends.

She is preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Cantrell Bowers, 2010, Boone, NC; and her husband, Clarence H. Cantrell, 2011, Tallahassee, FL.

To honor and acknowledge the life of Lois Cantrell, the family would like to welcome her friends to a living memorial known as the "Celebration of Life," to be held at Julie's Restaurant, N. Monroe Street, on Friday, March 16th, at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate, in her name, to a favorite charity.

Arrangements are under the direcetion of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home in Tallahassee, Florida.