Mary Ruth "Moo" Cantrell

Mary Ruth (Love) Cantrell, known affectionally to her family as “Moo,” passed away peacefully following a battle with cancer on February 9, 2020 in the arms of her devoted husband of fifty-one years Phillip A. Cantrell.  Born on Christmas Eve, 1948 in Piney Flats, TN, she lived most of her life in Salem, VA, working as a special education assistant and later as a team leader with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.  She was an active member and volunteer at Hollins Road Baptist Church for many years, an accomplished poet, and a patriotic lover of all things Americana.

She was preceded in death by her parents John Tate and Elizabeth Hughes Love and brother Kenneth Love.  She is survived by husband Phil Cantrell and children Phillip Allen Cantrell, II and wife Jessica Cantrell; Jeremiah David Cantrell and Rebecca Leigh; and three grandchildren Jacob Landon Cantrell, Josiah Jabari Cantrell, and Joella Esther Cantrell.  She is also survived by mother-in-law Dorothy Jean Cantrell and three brothers, John Tate Love (who always called her his “schnookums”), Ernest Love, and David Love.    

Her family wishes to thank the many people who offered prayers, food, and support during this time, but especially Mr. Paul Kidd and his late wife Betty for decades of devoted friendship.  We will miss her dearly but take comfort from the knowledge that she is now waiting for us in the arms of Jesus as she is reunited with those who have gone before.   Funeral arrangements will be held at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem, VA.  Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 11 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, with services following immediately afterwards.  She will be laid to rest at Sherwood Cemetery in Salem.

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