Cantu, F. Merle, 85, passed away August 23, 2010 in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Merle was born on November 3, 1924, and stated the Doctor was excellent, but poor with numbers because her birth certificate says she was born on November 1 to Chester M. and Mary A. (Irwin) Baker in Purcell, Missouri.

She met a young soldier, Louis Cantu at a USO dance during WWII and they were married on July 21, 1946 in Webb City, Missouri. Louis and Merle lived in Missouri and Texas before finally settling in Augusta, Kansas. Merle and Louis enjoyed almost 50 years, of marriage but Louis passed away five days before their anniversary.

Seven children were born into their family Ronald, Garry, Barry, Dennis, Patrick, Mary and Cindy. After Louis' passing, Merle went to Porum Landing, Oklahoma to live with her daughter Cindy and family.

She was preceded in death by husband Louis, brother Bill and sister Shirley.

Mourning her passing are her children; Ronald of Porum Landing, Oklahoma; Garry (Norma) of El Dorado, Kansas; Barry of Wichita, Kansas; Dennis (Linda) of Augusta, Kansas; Patrick (Norene) of Plainville, Kansas; Mary Hill of Indiana; Cindy (Greg) Smith of Porum Landing, Oklahoma; one sister Bernice Wormley; 21 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

The family will be present for a visitation Wednesday, August 25, 2010 from 6-8 p.m., and the funeral service will be Thursday, August 26, 2010, at 2 p.m. both at funeral home.

Memorials to the Senior Center of Augusta or Epilepsy Foundation in care of the funeral home.

Dunsford~Zeiner Funeral Home,
201 East Fifth Avenue, Augusta, Kansas, 316 775-6363, www.dunsford~zeiner.com