FERN CANTWELL

Fern Agnes (Friend) Cantwell, 77, of Ava, MO passed away February 29, 2020 at Ozarks Medical Center, West Plains, MO. She was born into a large family August 29, 1942 in Thornfield, MO the daughter of Benjamin Harrison and Iva Ethel (Lawson) Friend.
Fern was a homemaker and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by five children: three daughters Tammy Terrazas and husband Hosea, Deborah Gregory and Rose Burns; two sons Ralph Gregory and wife Stephanie, and Christopher Berger and wife Amanda; eighteen grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; two sisters Polly Ousley and Peggy Robbins and husband Bob; one brother Edd Friend and wife Ina; sister-in-law Jaunita Friend; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter Cindy Lynn Gregory; one son Glenn Jay Berger; one granddaughter Victoria Clardy; and one great grandson Dominic Wingo; five sisters Maxine DeBord, Geneva Friend, Mamie Strong, Freda Loftis, Modie Evans; four brothers John, Trellis, Joe and Lee Friend; six half-sisters Jaunita Friend, Elma Lawson, Erma Cooper, Vonnie Barnett, Verdie Trent and Retha Pippin; two half-brothers Efton and Elza Friend; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2020 in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel, Gainesville, MO with Davin Friend officiating. The family has honored Fern's wish for cremation. A private burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Thornfield Cemetery. Arrangements are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.