Peggy Cantrell

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Margaret Ellen "Peggy" Cantrell, age 88, of Anderson, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, March 7, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Arkansas. She entered this life on June 21, 1937, in Akron, Colorado, the second eldest of eight children born to the late Calvin and Kathleen (Hayes) Eichler.

She was raised in Fremont, California, where she graduated from Oakdale High School in 1955. Her journey led her to Mt. Zion, Missouri, where she met and married, James Eugene "Gene" Cantrell, on June 4, 1960. In 1961 they moved their family to a farm in Anderson, Missouri. Peggy's role as a devoted homemaker and farmers wife, was the cornerstone of the Cantrell family, her nurturing spirit and unwavering support creating a warm and welcoming home for all who entered.

Peggy's talents were many and varied. Her gardens were a testament to her green thumb, bursting with vibrant colors and the fruits of her labor. As a talented seamstress, she crafted beautiful garments, each stitch a symbol of her care and attention to detail and her culinary skills were legendary.

Her faith was a guiding light in Peggy's life, exemplified by her baptism in Elk River by Bro. Bob Cartwright. Her commitment to her beliefs was evident in her everyday actions and the love she extended to those around her.

She is survived by her husband of sixty-five years, Gene Cantrell of the home; two children, James Calvin Paul Cantrell of Anderson, Missouri and Vickie Sue Brannon and husband, Tim, of Fayetteville, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Monica Ortiz and husband, Bobby, Beau Brannon and wife, Lauryn and Drew Brannon; nine great grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; three brothers, Lawrence Eicler, Walter Eichler and Buddy Paul Eichler; three sisters, Mary Salyer, Evelyn Hamblin and Shirley Hunt; as well as a host of other family and friends. 

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter, Nichole Cantrell; and a sister, Alice Pitts.

Funeral services are 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri with Pastors Cecil Hall and Bob Cartwright officiating. Burial will follow at Anderson Cemetery. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Beau Brannon, Drew Bannon, Oscar Ortiz, Blaine Ortiz, Austin Reece and Tyler Stidham. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday in the funeral home chapel. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.