Gilberta Henryetta McEntire

March 19, 1931-July 23, 2025
Gilberta Henryetta (Baker) McEntire, age 94, departed to be with the Lord, July 23, 2025 at The Oaks Cottage surrounded by her family. Gilberta was born in Upton, MO on March 19, 1931. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her husband, Zean, of 55 years and her siblings Geraldean McCubbins, Jerry Baker, and Donald Baker. She is survived by her two sons; Jeff (Kathey), David (Regina); four grandchildren; Krystle (Greg), Justin, Leah, Hailey; three great-grandchildren; Elijah, Matthew, and Judah; her sister, Imogene Holland as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
One of Gilberta's greatest joys in life was being an elementary school teacher. She started teaching in a one room school house right out of high school in rural Missouri. She started her teaching degree at Southwest Baptist University. While there she met her husband, Zean. Zean and Gilberta married on June 3, 1956. She continued her education after their wedding at Southwest Missouri State University, where she received a Bachelor's degree in Education. She taught at various elementary schools in Springfield until 1967. Zean and Gilberta built their home and raised their family on what they endearingly called "Ivory Acres". Their new home was finished in 1965. She always said "I got a new home in 1965, new car in 1966, and a new baby in 1967". we heard her say on multiple occasions God knew what he was doing when he made her a boy mom. She retired from teaching in the Springfield Public School district in 1991 after 22 years. The majority of those years she spent teaching at Holland Elementary school. Zean and Gilbert attended church and served the Lord at Glendale Baptist Church about 55 years. Gilberta enjoyed anything outdoors; her yard, her flowers, birds, deer, turkeys, fishing, walks as well as time spent with family. We know without a doubt that Gilberta is in Heaven rejoicing with Jesus.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. before services. There will be a meal to follow, at the funeral home. Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 25, 2025, at Missouri Veterans Cemetery.