Elizabeth Ann (Knight) Cantrell

Elizabeth "Betty" Cantrell, 77, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2022 at home, surrounded by family. Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years Donald Cantrell Sr., daughter Julie, parents David and Mary Knight, and brothers John and Bobby. She leaves behind her children: Steve (Toni), Sheri (Doug), Donnie (Pauline) and her "favorite oldest" to "favorite youngest" grandsons, Andrew, Dustin, Wes, Gavin and Eli. Bettis also survived by siblings: Mary Lou (Rolf), Debbie, David (Mimi) and Mary.

Betty's career included working at the U.S. Postal Service and Naval Ordinance. She ultimately retired as a JCPS lunchroom lady- which was her absolute joy.

She was a master problem solver who had an "I can fix it" mentality for all things large or small - she loved a technical challenge.

Aunt Betty was a natural born matriarch and life of the party who loved card parties, bingo, penny slot machines, and family cookouts - big Derby parties and Thunder Over Louisville parties during her years at The Harbors. She'd come up with a dealer's choice poker games on the fly - her hands of  "low is, high if" were as much fun as they were confusing, and she created a new gift giving games each Christmas including an annual "special delivery" gag gift. She made pull-tab games a family Christmas tradition as well. Betty's fun and creativity had no boundaries - she could make everything from animal balloons to 3D printed knick-knacks (She often had her two 3D printers going at once).

Betty and Don traveled extensively throughout their retirement years visiting many National Parks. She was fond of Las Vegas, Seattle/Vancouver, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, especially Acadia National Park and she often spoke of her trip to Germany. Another favorite was their "butterfly" trips - where they hopscotched casinos along an uncharted journey across the U.S. Betty was a trip advisor to all and no matter your direction she could rattle off a long list of hidden stops and special points of interests. As much as she enjoyed their travel, her most favorite place was staying home and sitting on her porch atop a hill in Fairdale overlooking the city of Louisville - in a home that she designed and years later sold as they downsized to The Harbors. Betty wasn't an overly emotional type but notably cried 10 years later when her hilltop house was bought back into the family.

Betty loved watching football - college and pro -  and was particularly fond of her favorite quarterbacks. Jeopardy wasn't much of a challenge and she loved discussing various movies and TV shows. Her other loves were comfort food cooking and kitchen gadgets - to which she had an extensive collection. There was always a new kitchen toy to show off.

Our mother had a heart full of fun, brains full of common sense, and had no pause in her conversation nor a filter of opinions. Above all - she did things her way. After having spent nearly half of 2022 in the hospital, her final peace comforts the broken hearts of all those she touched.

True to for, Betty's wishes were for a direct cremation and in lieu of a funeral service wanted a life celebration party. Details will be shared soon regarding a celebration for Betty and Don (who passed during covid restrictions). 

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