Photo courtesy of Martin-Mattice Funeral Home - Emmetsburg
Emmetsburg, Iowa
Mar 20, 1938 – Feb 13, 2018
In Loving Memory
Shirley E. Gentry
March 20, 1938 - February 13, 2018
VISITATION
Friday, February 16, 2018
4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Bethany Lutheran Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa
SERVICE
Saturday, February 17, 2018
10:30 A.M.
Bethany Lutheran Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa
CLERGY
Sarah Schilcher
INTERMENT
Evergreen Cemetery
Emmetsburg, Iowa
Shirley Evelyn Gentry, 79, of Emmetsburg, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, at her home in Willow Ridge. Shirley, the daughter of Thomas Lee and Beatrice Fairmane (Williams) O’Haver was born March 20, 1938 in Lecoma, Missouri where she was raised. She attended a country school in Lake Springs and graduated from Rolla High School in 1956. Shortly after graduating high school, Shirley became employed as a legal secretary at the law firm of Brewer & Northern. She worked until she was united in marriage to Edward K. Gentry at the Lutheran Church in Rolla, Missouri on September 28th, 1957.
The couple made their home in Manson, Iowa. Shirley became employed as a legal secretary for the attorney Charles O’Connor and worked there until the couple moved to their farm in West Bend, Iowa. Shirley was a homemaker until she became employed at the Area Education agency in Cylinder, Iowa for 23 years.
Shirley enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren, always willing to babysit and enjoyed attending their school events. She was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church where she was a member of the Sarah Circle and enjoyed helping the ladies quilt. She made many lasting friendships that she treasured there, as well as the ones she made after moving into Willow Ridge in June of 2017
Survivors include her children: Lori Forry (Paul) of Emmetsburg, Carla Sisler (Paul) of Shingletown, CA, Julie Elbert (Rick) of Algona and Steve Gentry (Kelly) of Plainview, MN, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren, a sister, Dorothy McMinn (Clinton) of Rolla, MO.
Preceding her in death was her husband, Ed, on December 17, 2016, her parents, brother, Harold O’Haver and sister Doris Spinali.
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Lori, Carla, Julie and Steve
May you know I am thinking of you and yours at this time.
Love Always
Joana Gowans
February 17, 2018 | Vancouver, WA
Lori, Carla, Julie and Steve,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Our families had sooooooo many great and fun times together.
So many memories.......
As you all already know....it is so hard to lose a parent.
But, losing your mom, is the hardest thing ever.
My heart is aching for all of you.
Your mom was the nicest, sweetest, most kind person.
She will be missed by many.
Peace, comfort and love to you all.
Kristie Owen
February 17, 2018 | Adel, IA
To Aunt Shirley's children we offer our condolences and sympathy. She was a grand lady, sweet and thoughtful, full of life and love. We will miss her greatly. May God bless you and comfort you.
Charles Lee & Althea O'Haver
February 14, 2018 | Harriet, AR
Taken about the same time. We used to love to hear her tell stories about when she grew up!
Tom Spinali
February 14, 2018
I remember our pretty Aunt Shirley - 1956
Tom Spinali
February 14, 2018
Shirley is one of the very sweetest people I have ever met. Will miss you dearly sweet lady !!
Kristy Simington
February 14, 2018 | Emmetsburg, IA
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. Such a sweet lady and wonderful neighbor.
Carla Firkins
February 14, 2018
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your loved one. May the God who comforts all who mourn sustain your family during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1,2
May C
February 14, 2018
