Lois M. Gentry passed away at her home in Oceanside, CA, surrounded by her family on Sunday, September 12, 2010, following a lengthy illness. She was 91. This marks the beginning of her new life in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was a much-loved mother, grandmother and friend, and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Lois was born on November 7, 1918 to Bonnie and Garth Hammon in Sayre, OK. She later moved to Las Cruces, NM, to help run the family business, where she met and married the love of her life, Frank Gentry. Lois and Frank moved to Albuquerque, NM, where Lois worked at Sandia Labs and helped Frank run multiple businesses. In 1988, Lois, Frank and their son, Greg, moved to Oceanside, CA, where they opened up Amigo Travel Agency and later retired. Lois was preceded in death by three daughters, Bonnie Lee, Donna Lee and Gail Ann; her mother, Bonnie Chambers; father, Garth Hammon; stepfather, Fred Chambers; husband, Frank Gentry and sisters, Maurine McMahan, Florence Gillispie and Peggy Mayes. She is survived by her daughter Dayle Ann Hartenberger and husband, Tim, of Albuquerque, NM; son Greg Gentry and wife, Sonja, of Oceanside, CA; sisters, Katy Loyd of Lufkin, Texas, and Joy Sudigala of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren Jerrod, Kristen and Jason Hartenberger, Linda Gentry, Vallie Miller and Jeremy Shea; and six great-grandchildren. During the last few years of Lois' declining health, her son Greg was blessed with the honor of caring for, and tending to, her every need. His efforts were tireless and unselfish, his stamina and purpose steadfast and unshakable and his love for her deep and unconditional. For these reasons, Lois was able to live out the last years of her life blessed with dignity and grace. Lois was a one-of-a-kind, generous, well-read, nutty coconut ice cream sweet-toothed, intensely faithful servant of the Lord who was deeply devoted to her family and well-loved by all who knew her. She will be missed more than words can tell but will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 23, 2010, at 12:30 p.m., with Pastor Hal Schulz officiating, at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, with a reception to follow at the family's home. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 from 4:00-8:00 p.m., at Eternal Hills Mortuary, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside. Eternal Hills Mortuary and Memorial Park is in charge of all arrangements and can be reached at (760) 754-6600 for any questions. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, The Salvation Army or Gideons International.
Published on: Sun September 19, 2010