Makayla Ryan Cantrell

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Wilson- Funeral services for Makayla Ryan Cantrell, 17, of Wilson, OK are scheduled for 2:00 P.M. ~ Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at the First Baptist Church of Wilson with Rev. Mike Johnston officiating. Interment will follow at the Hewitt Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her family. Services are under the care and direction of Alexander Gray Funeral Home of Wilson.

Makayla was born March 24, 2006, in Ardmore, OK to Bradley Wayne Cantrell and Krista Renee (Grice) Cantrell. She departed from this life on Saturday, August 26, 2023, South of Wilson.

Our sweet Makayla, as a little girl with auburn hair, could melt your heart with her petite voice and tiny stature. Though she was petite, Makayla was full of sass with a beautiful heart that loved fiercely. She also, at times, hid her tender heart behind a bold attitude. That caring heart made for a zoo of animals in and at her home. Makayla loved animals, naming each and every one of them with thoughtful intention. She loved animals of all kinds from Freddie the bird, Peaches the horse to her cats Milo “Meesy” and Charles, “not Charlie”. Makayla’s dog Violet found herself in the company of many other dogs that Makayla would bring home because “she just couldn’t leave them there” on the side of the road.

Growing up, Makayla enjoyed riding four wheelers in the pasture at Papa and Nana’s, building forts on the “mountain”, and pretending to be an animal vet doctor with her cousins.

Makayla had little to say, always being shy, unless she was comfortable with those around her. When comfortable she did not hesitate to express her wit, humor, and matter-of-fact thoughts. Makayla was recently overcoming her shyness and had disciplined herself with commitments to a love for exercising and eating healthy. We were all so proud of her recent academic decision, showing much bravery, taking on a new adventure at Southern Oklahoma Technology Center this school year. Makayla had a vision for her future and was bravely taking steps to accomplish her goals. Makayla was active in the Wilson Beta Club, the Academic Team and Cross-Country Track.

Our hearts are broken over the loss of our beautiful, smart, precious girl that was taken too soon. Makayla Ryan will be forever in our aching hearts and missed beyond measure.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Terri Pettie; great grandparents, Dave Cormany, Billy Ray Grice, Velta Mixon, and Shirley Leach; and a cousin, Tuff Grice.

Survivors include her mother, Krista Cantrell and Jason Talbott of Sherman; father, Brad Cantrell of Wilson; siblings, Colby, Adalley, Bradley, Tristan, and Emma; grandparents, Frankie and Nancy Cantrell of Wilson; great grandparents, Cindy Cormany and Muriel Cantrell and wife Joyce; and numerous other family and friends.

Casket bearers will be Clayton Cormany, Casey Cantrell, Bryce Ferguson, David Cormany, Dustin Cormany, and Brad Ferguson.

Honorary bearers are the Wilson High School Class of 2025.

Family visitation will be held Monday evening from 6-8 P.M. at the Alexander Gray Funeral Home Chapel in Wilson.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.alexandergrayfh.com.