Phyllis E. Gentry

Phyllis E. Gentry, On Saturday, February 26, 2022, Phyllis Gentry, in the comfort of her home, left us to join the Lord. Her marker reads, “Jesus led me all the way”. Phyllis made her decision to let Jesus into her heart at 10 years old. And from that day on, He has shown her the way. Phyllis was born to Dennis and Dorothy (Mitts) Murphy on October 23, 1937. She graduated from Northwestern College in June, 1960 with a BA in Religious Education and immediately answered a calling to go to Taiwan in a missionary program. On one of her furloughs in Minnesota, she met Bill Gentry. Phyllis married the love of her life, Bill Gentry, on June 21, 1975, at the Adventurous Christians Lodge on the Gunflint Trail, near Grand Marais, Minnesota. Phyllis immediately became a mother, mother-in-law, and grandma to Bill’s five children and grandchildren. Phyllis was a devoted missionary. She introduced Christianity and the bible to people across the world. She spent time in Taiwan, Papua New Guinea and China. When she wasn’t sharing the gospel, she was working with young children, tutoring them, encouraging them, and always teaching them about the Lord. She loved adventure and being outside in nature. Until recently, she had a tent and all her camping supplies in her trunk so she would always be ready to camp when the opportunity presented itself. She loved hiking trails or just sitting in a park with a book and enjoying the beauty. She loved to drive. She thought nothing of hopping in her car and heading out for a 14-hour drive or longer to visit relatives or the multitude of friends she had throughout the U.S. Phyllis was always very involved in her church and many of her lifelong friendships began through her church affiliations. She worked tirelessly to help underprivileged children and their families find hope and faith through the Lord. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Englewood Christian Church, 57 North Rural Street, with visitation one hour prior. Phyllis is survived by her sister, Kathleen “Kate” Murphy; brother, Richard Murphy; sister-in-law, Glady Murphy; the Gentry children, Mark Steven Gentry (Sylvia), Jane Ann Hall (Terry), Carol Kaye Frye (Art), David Kent Gentry (Cheryl) and Daniel Trent Gentry (Connie). She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews; ten grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and one great-great-grandchild. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Dennis Murphy and Dorothy Olive (Mitts) Murphy; brothers, Danny and Thomas Murphy; and her husband, William Gentry. Phyllis’ greatest wish is for everyone to invite Jesus into their hearts the way she did and build a personal relationship with Him. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Renewal Neighborhood Ministry, 8748 Bel Air Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46226.

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Phyllis E. Gentry

October 23, 1937 - February 26, 2022