Obituary for Patsy Cantwell

Ponca City Now - July 16, 2019 4:23 pm

Patsy Cantwell

February 20, 1934 – July 14, 2019

Pat Cantwell, of Ponca City, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2019 at Alliance Health Center. She was 85.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Pat’s life will be held at 2pm on Thursday, July 18, 2019 in the Chapel of the Trout Funeral Home, with Rev. John Waterloo, officiating.

Patsy Ruth Cantwell was born in Ponca City on Feb. 20, 1934. She grew up in Ponca City, where she received her education.

On May 11, 1957, Pat was married to Everette “Runt” Smotone. They made their home in Ponca City and had one son, Doug. Pat worked for several years at her husband’s restaurant, Dick and Runt’s Barbecue. Runt passed away in 1961.

On March 10, 1966, Pat married LaVell Cantwell. They continued to make their home in Ponca City, where their daughter Lori was born. Pat dedicated her life to taking care of others. For over 25 years she greatly enjoyed taking care of children through operating an at-home daycare center in her home. Babies brought her so much joy. She loved and cared for them as if they were her own. The bond lasted long beyond the daycare years, as she continued to be there to cheer them on for many milestones, birthdays and celebrations in their lives.

She was a caretaker at heart and would spend countless hours comforting her friends and family during any time of need. Pat was also an excellent cook and hostess. Her family remember fondly all of the Holiday meals that were held at her house and everyone was welcome. Her homemade noodles and potato salad were legendary and Christmas time brought her famous peanut brittle that everyone loved. Pat and LaVell never missed a backyard party or BBQ. Spending time with her family was what she enjoyed the most and if you were Pat’s friend, she loved you like family. When her great-grandson, Cohen, was born, spending time with him was the highlight of her day.

Pat also enjoyed playing Bingo and card games, especially Pitch and Pinochle. She and her husband had many fun times visiting the horse races and the casino. Pat will be greatly missed by many.

Survivors include her husband, LaVell Cantwell of Ponca City, daughter; Lori Swain and husband Stan of Ponca City; son, Doug Smotone of Broken Arrow, grandchildren, Blake Cook, Erin Gebhard and husband Craig, Haley Smotone; great grandson, Cohen Gebhard; nieces and nephews, Gaye Owen, Nancy Pinkerton, Eddie McKinnis, Bambie Shipman, Chad Cantwell, Kyle Cantwell, Darren Eaton, Teri Bickel, Craig Eaton, Jill Dixon, Randy Eaton and Jerry Tindel; brother-in-law, Mickey Cantwell and wife Deanna, her dear best friend, Sharon Luis and the many children and families she loved and cared for over the years.

Pat was preceded in death by her first husband, Runt, her mother, Mary Sober, brothers, Bill Eaton and Howard Eaton and sisters, Dorothy Tindel and Sue McKinnis.

Source: Trout Funeral Home