Mrs. C. Isabella Witsman Cantwell, 96, passed away on November 9, 2020 at Milner’s Community Health Center in Rossville, Ind. A lifelong resident of Clinton County, she was born May 23, 1924, the 9th of 12 children born to J.F. & Leatha (Swim) Witsman. She attended Frankfort schools, graduating in 1943 and worked at the Roxy Theater during school. She met her husband O.D. Cantwell, Jr in high school and they married on September 9, 1945. They moved to the Rifle Range where they lived for 19 years and in 1965, then moved to their house north of Kilmore.
A member of the Kilmore United Methodist Church, she taught Sunday school for 30 years and sang in the choir. She loved to sing and was asked to sing for funerals and wedding through the years. During her senior year in high school, she sang in her school band for wounded soldiers who had returned to Indianapolis from the war. She also loved yard work, gardening and bowling in a league with her sisters Betty and Barbara at the Bowl n Bun.
When Dennis retired, they split their time between Frankfort and their home in Inverness, FL where they lived for the winter months and enjoyed all the sights and warmer weather often entertaining out of town family and friends.
Visitation and Services
Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2020 at Kilmore Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Kilmore United Methodist Church. Out of respect for the health, safety, and comfort of all in attendance, guests will be expected to adhere to current CDC guidelines regarding appropriate social distancing and the wearing of masks.
Survived by:
Surviving her is daughter, Karen Keough, granddaughter Wendi Sweeney (Wayne) grandsons Eric Keough (Leticia), Bryan Cantwell (Alisha), Patrick Cantwell (Cara) and special granddaughters, Lonnie Dickerson and Lucky Williams and a special grandson, Gahn Keough. Also surviving are 7 great grandchildren, Nathaniel & Bella Keough, Malcolm & Samuel Cantwell, Eleanor, Raquel and Margaret Cantwell, along with several nieces and nephews.
Preceded by:
Issey was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Dennis, son, Bruce and sisters, Myrtle & Alberta Witsman, Leota Storms, Barbara Cochran, and Betty Huddleston, 6 brothers, Fred, Don, J.F., Glen, Rudy and Jim Witsman and a special grandson, Mike Keough.
Karen and Family, So very sorry for your loss. Loved your mom. Many fond memories of her and your dad. You are in our prayers. Cathy & Dick Scott
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Facebook Twitter GoogleMy prayers for the family. My mother, Marge (Coy) Frey loved Izzy and were best friends since childhood. They are together once again.
I have many fond memories of visiting at the rifle range.
RIP
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Facebook Twitter GoogleDear Karen and all the family, my heart aches with the news of Izzy’s passing and celebrates with joy knowing she is seeing and hearing Dennis and Bruce and all her loved ones again! It has been my privilege to know all of your family and to have been included in so many gatherings! I miss them all: the jokes, cards, laughter both in Florida, Indiana and my farm in Ohio! As long as I have memory I’ll never forget any of them or you!! God give you Peace! Love and Prayers Doris Oldham Altman
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Facebook Twitter GoogleKaren and family, David and I offer our sympathy, love, and prayers. We care and think of the many days you spent with your mother from a baby till now. Parting is hard.
David and Becky Miller
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI met Isabella several years ago…when she would come in where I was working. We would sit and have long talks while she was there. I learned a great deal from her and always admired her spunk!! My heart goes out to all of her family as you have truly lost a beautiful one of a kind person!
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