Beth Gentry

Alberta Elizabeth “Beth” Gentry was born on Wednesday, February 18, 1925 in Richter, Kansas. She was the daughter of John Charles and Dessie (Duvall) Briles. A lifelong resident, Beth made her home in Ottawa until her death on Thursday, January 24, 2013, at the age of eighty-seven years. She graduated from Pomona High School and Emporia State University. On June 1, 1947 Beth was united in marriage to Kenneth Neil Gentry at her parents’ home. After forty-four years of marriage he preceded her in death on December 13, 1991. Beth started teaching elementary school in a one room schoolhouse at the age of nineteen, teaching in Pomona; Eugene Field Ottawa; Centropolis; and her final twenty-seven years at Appanoose Grade School. Beth taught a total of thirty-eight years. In 1991 she was inducted into the Kansas School Teachers Hall of Fame in Dodge City, Kansas. She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church Ottawa where she was active in United Methodist Women and Suzanna’s Circle; Alpha Delta Kappa Teachers Sorority; helped establish the Appanoose Museum and was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. Surviving family members include son Michal N. Gentry and his wife Linda, son Alan D. Gentry and his wife Lori, daughter Elisa A. Bogert and her husband Mark; grandchildren Ben Bogert and Chris Gentry; sister Dorothy Apgar and her husband Pat, sister Virginia Gardner and her husband Dan, and sister Beverly Swenson; sister-in-law Anna Marie Darbro and her husband Benny; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Beth in death are her husband Kenneth Neil Gentry; parents John and Dessie Briles; grandson Tyler Bogert; and brother-in-law Chuck Swenson. Beth’s loss is felt by all who knew and loved her. She will be greatly missed. SERVICES: Family and friends will meet for a Graveside Service at 11:00 A.M. Monday, January 28, 2013, at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, with a Memorial Service at Trinity United Methodist Church Ottawa, 1:30 P.M. Monday, January 28, 2013. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mrs. Gentry at Dengel & Son Mortuary from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. Sunday, January 27, 2013. CEMETERY: Interment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Trinity United Methodist Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. An online Guest Book is available at www.dengelmortuary.com.