Obituary of Iva Dell Taylor

Iva Dell Cantrell was born on September 4, 1932 in Smithville, Tennessee. She was one of seven children born from the union of the late Shelmon and Alma O. (Moore) Cantrell.   Iva married her true love, Charles Taylor, on May 8, 1948.   She later completed her education from Smithville Schools.

From their marriage would come the birth of five children:  Judy, Thomas, and Joyce.   Iva was a natural leader, the matriarch of the family.   She stayed home and cared for the needs of her husband and children as a homemaker.   An excellent cook, Iva enjoyed preparing meals and opening her home to many special family occasions.   In fact, the more she cooked the happier she seemed to be.   One of her specialties to the diner’s delight was Biscuits and Gravy.   For many years, even after she suffered from declining health, she still cooked large meals often.   Iva was also an avid gardener, canning many of the vegetables she grew.

Iva had a unique personality.   She was never afraid to get her hands dirty or tell you if you were wrong, but she had the uncanny ability to make everyone around her feel special.   Iva enjoyed playing cards and bingo.   More than anything she cherished being a grandmother.   Iva was full of life, a strong woman, and had even served as her own mother’s caregiver for many years.

Iva, age 84 of Monroe passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital. In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by her husband:  Charles; a daughter: Era Taylor; a son: Charles Phillip Taylor; brothers: Austin and Robert Cantrell; and sister: Helen Best.

To cherish her memory, Iva leaves her children: Judy (Leroy) Poleschuk of Waterford, Thomas (Margaret) Taylor of White Lake, and Joyce Wood of Monroe; brothers: Bruce Cantrell of South Carolina and Art Cantrell of Imlay City; sister: Willie Jo Baize of Temperance; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-four great grandchildren; thirteen great great grandchildren; and her canine companion: Precious.

Friends may gather on Friday, July 7, 2017 from 2:00pm-8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service; South Monroe, 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070.   A Celebration of Her Life will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, July 8 also at Merkle’s with Pastor Mike Gilbert officiating.   Procession will follow to Parkview Memorial Association of Livonia for burial.

Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com.