Dena Cantrell Obituary

Dena Rosene Cantrell, 75, of McAlester, Oklahoma passed away on August 10, 2025 in McAlester.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Ash Creek Cemetery with Chaplain Monte Busby officiating. The burial will follow.

Dena was born on December 4, 1949 to Laura Lucille (Hancock) Jameson and Carl Jameson. She married Dennis Cantrell on March 18, 1974 after completing her degree at NSU. She gave birth to a beautiful baby boy on July 23, 1976, Wade Charlie Cantrell. She adopted Christy Renee in 1981.

Dena acquired a degree in social work from ECU, and spent the majority of her life helping and serving the people throughout the Choctaw Nation in many capacities.

She loved her family and friends, her culture, and her faith. She was a very proud Choctaw/Chickasaw woman!

She is survived by her son, Wade Cantrell of McAlester; her daughter, Christy Cantrell of McLoud; grandchildren: DaNetta Morre and husband, Britt of Ada, Anna Rolland, and Olivia Rolland both of Tulsa; 5 great grandchildren; her sisters, Jo Collier of McAlester, Concetta Gragg and husband, Ronald of Crowder, Serena Little of Crowder; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends.

Dena was preceded in death by the love of her life, Dennis Cantrell; grandchildren: Cherish Gomez, and Juan Rolland; her parents: Laura Jameson and Carl Jameson; and brother, Jeff Jameson.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isiah 40:31

She ran her race with a fire in her spirit, rose above every storm, and now soars in the presence of her King.