Alice Marie Cantril

Alice Marie Cantril, 93 passed away on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, at Catholic Eldercare in Minneapolis, MN.

She was born on July 17, 1925, on the Stafford family ranch, 12 miles south of Kremmling, CO  to  Frank E. Stafford and Alice A . Smith, the youngest of 6 children in a close-knit family. On June 12, 1950, she married Richard William Cantril at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Kremmling, CO. Together they raised 5 children, were active in their community, served their church and led by example.

Alice was a dedicated wife of 59 years and an exceptional mom, grandmother, nurse, sister, aunt and friend. She was an amazingly faithful and faith-filled woman, consistent in her love, constant with encouragement and unafraid in offering insights, opinion or correction. Alice was a lifelong care giver – intuitively aware of others feelings and needs. At an early age she was drawn to nursing but delayed entry into nurses’ training to take care of her ailing mother. After graduation from St. Anthony’s nursing school in Denver, she and a friend went back to Kremmling and helped start what became Middle Park Hospital. Long hours, excellent service and minimal pay were trademarks of her career. Even after officially retiring professionally, Alice was always the caregiver, willing to help and serve. Her genuine care and concern for others was evident even on the last day of her life.

Time spent with family and friends was her greatest joy. She especially loved large family get togethers and could recall with amazing detail stories about people, places and events. She remembered everything from the “good old days” to current events and everything in between. Her home was always a welcoming, inviting and inspiring place of love. In spite of busy work schedules, limited resources and an active family, Alice & Dick always had time to make special meals or add another plate at the table to entertain someone passing through or to lift the spirits of a neighbor or friend. Anyone who needed a place to stay or a comforting place to visit was welcome at the Cantril home...even the neighbor’s puppies.

Alice is survived by 4 children, Kathy (Tim) Schoonhoven, Alexandria, MN, Connie (David) Kassing, Coon Rapids, MN, Rick (Nita) Cantril, Scottsbluff, NE, Mary (Eric) Christensen, Luverne, MN; 8 grandkids, Rick Kassing, Atlanta, GA, Mike (Holly) Kassing, Duluth, MN, Amy Kassing, Eau Claire, WI, David (Stephanie) Schoonhoven, Tucson, AZ, Rick (fiancee Evelyn Alonso) Cantril, Papillion, NE, John (Stacy Dally) Cantril, Raleigh, NC, Catelyn (Paul) Kenney, Lincoln, NE, Robbie Cantril, Scottsbluff, NE: 2 great grandkids, Lucas and Addie Kassing, She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard (2009), daughter, Christine (1958); 3 brothers, 2 sisters and many other family and friends.

On Friday, March 1st, 2019, visitation will be 4-7 pm with a rosary at 6:30 pm at Washburn-McGreavy Funeral Home, 1827 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN.

On Saturday, March 2, 2019, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 am, at St. Anthony Padua Chapel at Catholic Eldercare, 813 Main St NE, Minneapolis with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the Mass. There will be a Catholic Mass on March 5, 2019 at 11:00 am at St. Peter's Catholic church in Kremmling Colorado, the Interment will be in the Kremmling, Colorado cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.