Clesta Cantrell

Clesta Cantrell, aged 79, died Monday, April 18, 2016, at her home after a short illness.

Clesta was born in Texas in 1936, the youngest child of Samuel and Cordelia Anderson who preceded her in death. Also predeceasing Clesta were her siblings, Nada Marler, Bob, Gaylord, and her best friend and sister, Juanita Macomber.

Clesta married Earl Blankinship in 1953 in Amarillo, Texas, and they had five children, Earline, Bob, Celeste, Phil, and Sheree. Earl preceded Clesta in death in 1973. Clesta is survived by her children and her eight grandchildren, Ben Blankinship, Bobby Luna, Elizabeth Luna Gills, Trisha Bryant Ibarra, Orion Buckroyd, Samuel Blankinship, Shawn Blankinship, and Tonya (Blankinship) Voyles, and several great grandchildren.

Clesta is also survived by her husband of 40 years, Bob Cantrell, a resident of Decatur, Tennessee.

Clesta loved laughing, nature, and her children. Before her eyesight failed her, she was an avid reader. In her last days, Clesta made special efforts to tell everyone that her children were her gifts from God and her proudest accomplishment.   She was greatly loved by her children and grandchildren and will be forever in their hearts.

A special appreciation to Caris Hospice for their assistance and care in her last days. A memorial in celebration of Clesta’s life and love will be held privately.

Visit the Cantrell family guestbook and leave a message of comfort.