Jewell Cantrell
Jewell (Harkey) Cantrell, 94, of Gridley, CA, passed away February 12, 2024.
Jewell spent her childhood and late adult life living and loving the beautiful family ranch in Gridley. She is the third generation to enjoy its tranquil setting.
She will be best remembered for her love of good horses, which all began with her first pony, Snowball. As a child, she rode Snowball to Manzanita Elementary School, where they had a special hitching post and stall just for her. Snowball became the school Mascot and participated in many school plays. That was the start of her lifelong love affair with horses.
Jewell and her family spent many special years showing at open and breed shows - both Arabian and Quarter Horses - with much success. Jewell was renowned as an exhibitor and breeder of exceptional performance horses and attained success at both the Regional and National level.
Her breeding program concentrated primarily on the Crabbet Arabian stallion, Ben Rabba++/ (19641990). Jewell was also very proud of his son Robby (1985-2009), who was nationally recognized as the number one sire of Purebred Working Western Horses from 2004-2013.
In 2015, Jewell received a Lifetime Achievement Award for breeding some of the finest Crabbet Arabian Horses in the US to name all her successes in the horse world would be nearly impossible. As she often said, it was her passion.
She was also known for her style, smile, and graciousness. The many visitors to the ranch were always treated to a delicious meal, regularly followed by dessert (often one of her home-made pies). She loved people, entertaining, and also introducing, then nurturing, the love of horses in others. She had many friends and famous guests at both her ranches in Marysville and in Gridley.
In 1949 Jewell married the love of her life, Jess Cantrell Jr. (19222008) and they had three wonderful children: Greg (Debbie), Kim (Yvonne), and Renee (Paul). All three kids were involved with showing horses and the ranch. She is also survived by three granddaughters (Courtney, Nicole and Natasha) and eight great-grandchildren.
She will be remembered
BUSH - Linda K. Bush, 62, of Yuba City, CA, passed away May 8, 2024. Arrangements are under the direction of Gridley Block Funeral Chapel, (530) 846-2138.
FILTER - William A. Filter Jr., 75, Live Oak, CA, passed away May 8, 2024. Arrangements are under the direction of Ullrey Memorial Chapel, (530) 673-9542.
HALL - Darlene Ruthie Hall, 78, of Yuba City, CA, passed away May 10, 2024. Arrangements are under the direction of Ullrey Memorial Chapel, (530) 673-9542.