Lucille V. (Sanders) Cantelon, age 96, passed away at the University of Virginia Transitional Medical Center on December 5, 2016. She was born in Bridgeport, NE, on September 14, 1920 to Earl O. and E. Madoline Sanders.
Lucille grew up in Longview, WA and attended high school there. Later she moved to Wapato, WA where she worked at a local bank and lived with pastors, Rev. and Mrs. DeVries. She met the young Evangelist Paul D. Cantelon during a crusade held at her church. They married June 11, 1947. Together they enjoyed evangelistic work for 15 years traveling throughout the United States and Europe.
In 1962 they were asked to “fill in” as pastors of Calvary Temple, Bellingham, WA and agreed to stay a year. That one year became nearly 21 years. After “retiring” in 1982 Paul and Lucille returned to evangelistic work until they were asked to “fill in” as pastors of Christ Church of Washington, D.C. That one year became 15 years of ministry to a diverse congregation of many cultures and a range of dignitaries. They enjoyed family in the East and endeared themselves to so many, experiencing unique opportunities only possible in the Nation’s Capital.
Paul and Lucille returned to their home in Bellingham, WA in 1999 where they were again surrounded by the love of family and friends. They enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage until Paul’s death in 2007.
Lucille enjoyed a long life of love and ministry. She loved God with all her heart and loved all people, enjoying many lasting relationships with friends both near and far. Over the years she inspired many and will be lovingly remembered as a gentle, giving soul with great strength and deep wisdom. Lucille was happiest when bringing hope and encouragement to others. For 95 years, she remained active and traveling spending time on the East Coast each winter. She lived with her daughter Sharon and granddaughter Ruth in Ashburn, VA from December 2015 until her death. She was cherished by her daughter, granddaughters, great grandchildren and extended family and friends.
Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Earl Sanders Jr. and Kenneth Sanders and husband, Paul Cantelon.
Lucille is survived by her daughters, Sharon Cantelon of Ashburn, VA and Ruth Hackler of Bellingham, WA. She is also survived by five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A Memorial service in celebration of her life will be held at Life Church Bayside in Bellingham, WA (747 Marine Drive) on Saturday, December 17 at 1:00 p.m. A private family interment will be at Greenacres Cemetery in Ferndale, WA.
Memorial gifts may be made in lieu of flowers to CrossPassion Ministries International, 217 Hillsdale Drive, Sterling, Virginia 20164. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com .

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