Date of Birth: March 14, 1942
Date of Death: March 11, 2023
Julia Gentry, age 80, of Peoria Arizona, passed away from her battle with Parkinson’s and dementia on Saturday, March 11, 2023. She was born March 14, 1942 in Orrville, Ohio to the late Dwight and Melva Gerber. She married the late William (Bill) Gentry in June 1972. She is survived by a son Brian, Peoria, AZ, daughter Rebecca Schondel of Peoria, daughter Desiree Gentry of Phoenix and two grandchildren along with brothers Mike Gerber of Wooster, Ohio and Tim Gerber of Dalton, Ohio. While growing up in Kidron, Ohio, Julia helped with the family business that eventually became Gerber’s Poultry following customers requesting fresh chicken from her dad’s vegetable and egg route. Following high school, she went to college for a year before joining Mennonite Volunteer Service and serving in Arizona where she eventually settled, finished college, became a teacher and married William Gentry. Following having children, she became a stay-at-home mom eventually becoming a substitute teacher. After relocating back to Ohio, she worked in the family business for a number of years and following retirement, often babysat her grandchildren. Following Bill’s retirement, they both relocated to Arizona for warmer climates. She was longtime member of Kidron Mennonite Church. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School but most especially enjoyed camping with family spending many a weekend with her kids and grandchildren. She also enjoyed baking which she shared with her grandchildren along with sewing and making doll clothes with her granddaughter. Julia was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Gentry, her parents Dwight and Melva Gerber, her sister Sue Gerber (Gerald); two infant brothers, Lavone and Vilas and an infant sister, Carol.
Service Information
A memorial service is planned for March 25, 2023 with internment following cremation at a later date.
Contributions
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley, 9435 W. Peoria, Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345. Online obituary and condolences are available at bestfuneralservices.com
Sorry for your loss. I remember your mom always with a smile.
Thank you Alexis!
Rebecca, I’m so sorry for the Great loss felt by you and your family, words can never properly comfort you. Know that My prayers and those of so many others are with you all 🙏🙏🙏
Sympathy and prayers to all of your family. I remember your mom well from mid 60s at Trinity Mennonite Church. Teens and VSers participated together in youth activities due to the small size of the group. She had a wonderful sense of humor as well as being a mentor for living the Christian faith.