Betty Jane Gentry

Betty Jane Gentry, age 98, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at Wellbrooke of Westfield, Indiana. She was born on November 4, 1924 to George and Bernice (Milligan) Snow. She lived her entire life in Kokomo until her move to assisted living. Betty attended Kokomo High School and was supposed to graduate in 1943. An accident prevented her from completing those plans until later in her life.

Betty met the love of her life, Larry Gentry in the mid 1940’s and they married on September 17, 1948. He preceded her in death on March 6, 1994.

Betty worked at Delco Radio for a few years and was a stay at home mom for many years. She went to work at Boulevard School in the cafeteria in the mid 60’s and was there for twenty years when she retired. She was involved with many activities supporting her children, their schools and her church home of 50 plus years, Grace United Methodist in Kokomo. She was a PTA officer, Scout leader, room mother and avid member of both the Kokomo Wildkat Club and the Haworth Boosters having had children and grandchildren play sports at both high schools. She volunteered many years at the Nearly New Shop sponsored by the First Congregational Church. Despite always being more than qualified to help her children with any school subject, Betty was always regretful that she had not been able to attain a diploma. In the early 2000’s, unknown to her family, she began taking adult education classes at Kokomo High School and McKinley School. Her granddaughter, Lauren, saw her in the hall one day and her secret was out! Betty was awarded her diploma on June 3, 2003, SIXTY years to the day she would have graduated and the day Lauren did graduate from KHS! She was 79 years old! She was so very proud of that accomplishment.

Betty is survived by a daughter, Marianne Christie of Noblesville, sons, Dave (Becky) Gentry of McCordsville, Tim (Beth) Gentry of Kokomo, and their pup, Caitie; and Dennis (Laurie) Gentry of Angola. Grandchildren include Andrew (Cathy) Christie of Evansville and their children, Taylor, Braedon, McKinsey, Madison, Mallory and Tyler; Ryan (Robin) Christie of Noblesville and their children Grant, Maddie and Sophia. Lauren (Chris) Veach of Noblesville and their children Addison and Easton. Jill Gentry of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jay (Cecilia) Gentry of Noblesville and their children Alex, Tori, Julianna and Josen. Kristin (Lance) Beal of Pendleton and their children Emma, Lowan and Ava. Bryan (Kate) Lord of Apex, North Carolina and their child, Edy and Baby Boy Lord due in June. Kyle and Joel Daughtery. Kagan Gentry of Auburn, Indiana and Kameron Gentry of Mt. Joliet, Tennessee.

She is also survived by a brother, Keith (Rosie) Snow of Florida and several deeply loved nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, Betty was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Sharon Bales, her husband Tom, and a brother, Billy Gene Snow. Also, a cherished son in law, Dick Christie and daughter in law, Marianna Gentry.

The family ask that donations in Betty’s name be made to The Dick Christie Honor Athlete scholarship at Kokomo High School, 2501 South Berkeley Road, Kokomo, IN 46902.

Visitation will be Monday, March 13, 2023 at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 South Webster, Kokomo, IN. from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM with the service immediately following. Chuck Jansen will be officiating. Final resting place will be at Crown Point Cemetery.

Betty’s family sends love and much appreciation to the staff at Wellbrooke of Westfield and Jessica Evans and staff of CARE Hospice. Their care and compassion have been unmatched.