Virginia "Ginny" L. Gentry

Virginia “Ginny” L. Gentry, 81, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025. Ginny was born May 17, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Joseph and Vernice Gentry. Upon graduating high school, she started with Mattison Machine Works in 1961, until their closing in 1997. From there she worked with Dial Industries until retirement.

Ginny loved to craft – especially embroidering, knitting, crocheting and doing needle point. Her most impressive work (and her favorite) was cross stitch. She even won a blue ribbon in the Illinois State Fair for her entered work. She also had a special interest in old musicals.

Ginny was one of the most positive, kind, and friendly people you could come across. She could approach a complete stranger, and be a friend by the end of their conversation. Ginny was bubbly and bright. Despite the challenges life presented her, she was always optimistic. Above all else, her family was everything. She strived to make sure connections were made even with distant relatives. She went above and beyond to make sure her family knew they were loved. Although she did not have children of her own, she poured her love into her nieces and nephews, and their children.

She is survived by her brother, Gary Gentry; several nieces and nephews, numerous great-nieces and nephews, and even one great-great nephew; brother-in-law, Michael Sullivan; sister-in-law, Claudette Gentry.

Ginny was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Vernice; siblings, Charles Gentry, Mary Sullivan, and Marjorie Gentry; sister-in-law, Kathy Gentry.

The family would like to invite you to Ginny’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at 4413 Ashchanjali Court, Rockford, Illinois 61107.