Phyllis Gentry

1919 - 2016

Phyllis NeNetha Gentry (Traylor) went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 16, 2016 in Sterling, Colorado. Visitation will be Wed., June 22 from 10am until 6pm with family receiving friends from 3pm until 6pm at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. A Celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, June 23 rd at 10:30 a.m. at the Sterling Berean Church with Pastor Dan Holsten officiating. Interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Phyllis NeNetha Gentry, daughter of Bruce Edgar Traylor and Besse Mae Lashmet Traylor Rank, was born on March 24 th , 1919 in McCune, Kansas. Phyllis graduated from Crook High School in 1937. Rex (her husband) and Phyllis met while attending Crook High School. They married soon after High School and gave birth to 4 boys (Bruce, Keith, Royce, & Wayne). They moved to Sterling Colorado in the late 1950's making Sterling their home the rest of their lives. Phyllis received a Life Teaching Certificate from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. She taught Kindergarten in Sterling for 14 years followed by 3 years in Title I. Teaching Kindergarten for that many years with around 50 students per day (25 in the morning and another 25 students in the afternoon) she taught somewhere around 700 kids in her 14 years at that level. It was very evident that her students loved her for they made contact with her years after and at that time they would thank her for being their Kindergarten teacher and they would tell her what a difference she made in their lives. She made a positive, lasting impression on many of them. Phyllis loved music; she and her husband Rex sang together for many gatherings and their 4 boys following in their footsteps became known as the "Gentry Brothers" - a quartet that sang together for over 40 years sharing the Gospel Message through Christian Gospel Music. Phyllis played the piano starting early in her life. She had her special way in playing; people loved to listen to her! She was actively involved in her sons' athletic events at the High School & college level whether it be Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Track, or Summer Fast-pitch Softball; whatever the competition you would see her and hear her supporting and routing for her boys! She was an avid fan and on a few occasions she possibly was a bit too of an avid fan. She loved her kids! She gave her life for her kids and the extended family from there. She impacted her families' lives and many, many people beyond that in so many positive, caring, loving ways. She loved the Lord and with her husband Rex spent most of their time in church related activities; kids' vacation Bible School at their home, small group studies, adult Bible classes, & supporting the 4 boys and their Gentry Brothers singing quarter at numerous events! Phyllis, her husband, & their boys ran a skating rink in Sterling called "The Spin Out"! The "The Spin Out" became a well known place where people of all ages (especially the young) could come and have a safe, enjoyable, clean, wholesome, caring, & kind time! Phyllis & Rex or as some called them Mom & Pop touched & helped shape in a very positive way many lives here over the 10 year span! Phyllis was blessed with her loving husband, 4 boys, 12 Grandkids and 25 Great Grandkids! She was happiest when spending time with her family and friends. She was one who loved unconditionally and looked out for those less fortunate. She definitely cared for others passionately; this came from her love of the Lord Jesus Christ! Because of this she touched many, many lives with this kind of love and compassion! Phyllis is survived by her sons, Bruce & wife Barbara in Merino, Colorado, Keith & wife Kay in Loveland, Colorado, Royce & wife Kathy in Greeley, Colorado, Wayne & wife Kris in Greeley, Colorado. Neice Ronna & husband James (Jim) Rice in Greeley, Colorado, Gordon & wife Pam Stumpf in Sterling, Colorado, & Tamra (Tammy) & husband Roger Fowler in Greeley, Colorado. Grandkids from Bruce & Barb: Jildi Gentry in Merino, Colorado, Coby & wife Adrea in Eaton, Colorado, Joshua & wife Shayna in Merino, Colorado; Grandkids from Keith & Kay: Jason & wife Michelle in Windsor, Colorado, & Jonna in Lakewood, Colorado; Grandkids of Royce & Kathy: Jamie Cunningham & husband Jamie of Broomfield, Colorado &Tyler & wife Brigette of Greeley, Colorado; Grandkids of Wayne & Kris: Jeff & wife Tina in Greeley, Colorado, Ryan & wife Robin in Aurora, Colorado, Brady & wife Caryn in Cherry Creek, Colorado, Mandy Fable & husband Brian in Lander, Wyoming, & Chad & wife McKinzie Pohja in Greeley, Colorado! Great Grandkids from Bruce & Barb & daughter Jildi - Jaylin & Brodee; from son Coby & wife Adrea - MaKynna & Kade; from son Joshua & wife Shayna - Harley, Chanelle, & Rex. Great Grandkids from Keith & wife Kay & son Jason & wife Michelle - Graden & Coen. Great Grandkids from Royce & wife Kathy & daughter Jamie & husband Jamie - Keller & Gavin; from son Tyler & wife Brigette - Parker, Tatum, Oliver, & Breck. Great Grandkids from Wayne & wife Kris & son Jeff & wife Tina - Landon, Sara, Cameron, & Cody; from son Ryan & wife Robin - Tanner, Gunner, & Taylor; from son Brady & wife Coryn - Chase, Mitchell, & Grahm. Phyllis was proceeded in death by her husband Charles Rex Gentry (Rex), her mother Besse Rank, her father Bruce Traylor, her sister (Dr.) Helen Traylor, her sister Gloria and her husband Riney Stumpf. Memorials may be made to the Phyllis N. Gentry Memorial Fund c/o Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, PO Box 1046 Sterling, Colorado 80751.