Vikki Lee Cantrell, 72 of Springfield Missouri passed away in the morning hours of Tuesday September seventh at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Vikki was born Tuesday December 14, 1948 in Springfield, Ohio to Sarah and Richard Sparrow. She spent her childhood in Ohio and later in the St. Louis area, graduating from Francis Howell High School in 1967. While in high School, Vikki met her future husband John and they were married in June of 1969. From that marriage came a son and a daughter, Bill and Mary. Vikki was a wonderful mom, caring for her family while sacrificing time and many opportunities for herself.

After her kids were grown enough to be at home on their own, Vikki attended Southwest Missouri State University and graduated with a degree in social work. She realized the important role social workers play in helping those in need, including the poor and the elderly. She was instrumental in pushing for the formation of a master’s level program in social work at what is now Missouri State University, graduating from that program soon after it was put in place. Vikki worked with the Missouri Division of Aging for several years, traveling the state on a team to inspect nursing homes, interviewing residents and staff to make sure needs were being met, and that the residents were receiving the best care possible.  Following her time with the Division of Aging, she formed her own consulting company, contracting with nursing homes around the state to work with them on implementing improvements in care.

In 2000, Vikki’s husband,  John was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and she put aside her work to care for him at home with love and compassion until his passing. The loss of her husband was very difficult. Both were nearing retirement years and they looked forward to more time to spend as they grew old together. Vikki often talked of how much she missed John. That loss convinced Vikki to start a “Longest Night” program at her church to help those who were dealing with the loss of loved ones. In her final days, she voiced her excitement of being able to see her loved ones again in Heaven. There’s no doubt that she is now spending a jouyous pain-free time with her husband, her mom and dad, her sister and many friends that have gone before her.

Vikki had a strong love for music. She began playing trumpet in high school and she continued to play in local groups including the Republic Community Band and The Missouri State University Community Band. Her love of playing trumpet extends through her family including her daughter Mary and her grandson Lewis.

Vikki was a Christian and she loved her church. The members of Glidewell Baptist Church held a special place in her heart and many were there in her times of need to provide care, compassion and encouragement.

Vikki believed in improving her community through volunteering her time. Some of the places she volunteered included Juanita K Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, The Greene County Baptist Association, The Dickerson Park Zoo, and the Greene County Democratic Party.

Vikki was a huge fan of the Springfield Cardinals.  She had season tickets every year since the team’s inaugural season. She sat on the front row near the right field bullpen. In her red visor and with her blue cowbell she cheered on her team through blazing sun, rain, and cold. She formed a special bond with many of the players over the years. Though she had many autographs, she never asked for them. They were given because the players loved to have her there, many seeing her as a “mom” figure. At the end of every game, win or lose, Vikki would stand and clap for every player while they walked past to the clubhouse til the dugout was empty. A very sincere “Thank You” goes out to all of the players and staff of the Springfield Cardinals who were so kind to Vikki. In recent years her mobility was impaired and everyone from executive staff to ushers would check on her to make sure she was comfortable. The kindness the Cardinals organization has shown meant volumes to Vikki and to her family as well.

Vikki is survived by her children Bill Cantrell (Jamie) and Mary Russell (Lee). Siblings Rich Sparrow (Carleen), Leatha Duncan (Jeff Oakley), James Sparrow, and brother-in-law Mike Ilkew (Jerri). Grandchildren Lewis Smith, and Grace Lovell. Great grand child Oliver. and one more on the way. Beloved nieces and nephews and many special friends. Preceding her in death were her husband John Cantrell, parents, Sarah and Richard Sparrow,  and her sister Connie Ilkiw.

Memorial services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 13, 2021, at Glidewell Baptist Church, burial will be at a later date at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, September 12, 2021 at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. The family would like to encourage anyone attending to wear Springfield Cardinals or red attire, in remembrance of Vikki.

Memorial contributions may be made to Glidewell Baptist Church, in care of Greenlawn North Funeral Home.