04/06/2026
Barbara “Aunt Pixie” Cantrell, of Waller, Texas, was born on April 2, 1941, and passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, on her 85th birthday.
Barbara lived a life filled with a spunky spirit that endeared her to everyone who knew her. Affectionately known as “Pixie” (or “Aunt Pixie”), she had a special way of bringing light and laughter into the lives of her family and friends.
Barbara was born in Houston, Texas, and grew up living in the Woodland Heights subdivision, with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends living nearby. She graduated from Reagan High School in 1958 and faithfully attended and was very involved at Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church, where she shared a special friendship with a group of girls known as the “Pearls”, whose friendships lasted for their lifetimes.
Barbara went on to attend college at Southwestern University (and was in the Delta Zeta sorority) and then moved back and attended classes at the University of Houston. And, while working in Houston, she met and went on to marry (in 1964) the love of her life, Marcus Cantrell. She and Marc moved to Dallas a few years later for a job Marc had accepted, and then, in 1968 she and Marc moved to what became known as “MarBar Farm” in Waller, Texas, where they raised cattle, horses, and goats, and grew crops of corn and Tifton 85 grass (for hay), and had some beloved dogs as family-member pets, over the years. Together, Barbara and Marc built a life on MarBar Farm rooted in family, hard work, and cherished memories. Barbara also, in 1985, finished her college courses at Prairie View A&M University and obtained a degree in Education, whereafter she taught Spanish in junior high and high school for many years.
After 40 years of marriage, Marc passed in 2004, but Barbara was able to continue successfully operating the Tifton 85 grass farm business and enjoyed the companionship of her friends and family, and attending and being very involved at Waller Baptist Church, until she suffered a major stroke in 2010, which affected her eyesight and speech. She, nonetheless, through her strength of character, drive, will and fighting spirit, was able to enjoy her life and live in her own home on her farm, which she treasured, until she passed on April 2, 2026.
Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marcus Cantrell, and her sister, Audrey Suchicki and husband Ed Suchicki, her nephew, Steven Suchicki, and her parents, Arlie and Lorina Kobs.
She is survived by her loving family, including her nephew, Greg Savage and wife, Denise, and their children, Jason (Lindsay) Savage, Kelly (Robbie) Frost, and Natalie (Jake) Ebner; as well as her great-nieces and nephews, Penelope, Scarlett, Willie, Jack, Kinsey, Emma and Ellie, along with extended family members and dear friends who will miss her greatly.
Barbara was especially grateful for the devoted care of her longtime farm hand and caretaker, Cheko, whose loyalty and steadfast presence meant so much to her. She also cherished her dear friends, Claire and Marcie, who brought her joy through many lunches together and special time spent enjoying their horses.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be at Canon Funeral Home in Waller on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Visitation/Viewing at 1:00 pm, Funeral Service at 2:00 pm, and burial to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor her memory through acts of kindness and by cherishing time with loved ones. [If you wish to make a contribution, it can be sent to Reach Unlimited (www.reachunlimited.org) or the charity of your choice.]
[Guest Book @ www.canonfuneralhome.com]
