KATHRYN LOUISE CANTRELL

They say dynamite comes in small packages. That is a good description of Kathryn Louise Clifford. She was petite and full of life. Kay entered this world on New Year’s Day in 1939 to her proud parents, Louis and Elizabeth (Adkins) Clifford. She was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, where she grew up, attended school, and eventually married her husband, William Thomas Cantrell, at the tender age of 17 years old. Bill and Kay shared an extraordinary life together for 63 years. Bill served in the Navy for 20 years and their life centered around that service to their country for their entire lives. Kay’s attitude of service to country, community, family and friends was never ending. She was patriotic, proud, helpful and loving. Being the spouse of active military personnel, who are often absent for long periods of time, creates many challenges in maintaining a home base and raising children. Kay was extremely good at all of it. She supported her boys in baseball and football. The family shared many fun adventures together camping in the desert, mountains and the beach, which was her favorite. While raising her family Kay also worked for La Mesa Spring Valley School District for 13 years. After retirement Kay and Bill traveled the country in their motor home, making new friends, visiting old friends and family. They lived in their motor home a couple of years before deciding to buy a home in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2004, where she lived until her passing on January 11, 2023. Kay had a vibrant personality and was very active for most of her life, going to the gym, taking classes in line dancing, and socializing with friends. She was one of six children and is survived by her sister Ileane (Gene) Peach; her three sons, Rick (Rose) Cantrell, Scott Cantrell and Mark (Sue) Cantrell; her step-daughter, Teri Feasel. She also had 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed. However, we know she’s at peace and smiling as she sails off into the sunset with Bill by her side.