Carol Anita Gentry passed away after a “dance” with pancreatic cancer on August 20, 2022.  She was born on a cold January 13, 1944, Lafayette, IN, the daughter of Eldon Jay and Elsie Ruth (Reichart) Kern. She lived with her grandparents for the first few years of her early life on a farm, which gave her many good memories. Carol graduated from East Tipp High School and attended Purdue University. On July 22, 1962, she married Don K. Gentry in Lafayette Indiana. They lived in New Richmond Indiana where Don taught agriculture, and welcomed three children into their lives- Alynn Jo, Alan Dale and Andrew Jay. Many lifelong friendships were developed in New Richmond.

After moving to Zionsville Indiana for Don’s work, Carol spent time raising their children and volunteering as a 4-H Leader, Den mother, Cub Scout Leader, classroom volunteer, church treasurer, museum volunteer, executive secretary for the Indiana Vocational Association and bench sitter for all three children while they participated in sports and other activities. They lived in Zionsville for 15 years making more lifelong friends.

After Don received his doctorate, he took a position at Purdue in 1983, so the family moved to West Lafayette, to what would become one of life’s most wonderful experiences for the entire family. They became great Purdue football and basketball fans, attending games and bowl games for over 30 years. After the children all graduated from Purdue and left home, Carol and Don became world travelers, traveling to over 50 countries.

While living in West Lafayette, Carol volunteered at the Purdue Visitor’s Information Center; Church Treasurer at Faith Presbyterian Church for fifteen years; member of PEO; served as an administrator for Bible Study Fellowship for fifteen years and as an Elder and Deacon for Faith Presbyterian Church. Carol’s main hobby was quilting completing over 70 and leaving a few unfinished. Above all she was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and friend to all.

Her faith and support from family and friends gave her much comfort and assurance during her very difficult illness. She was a very strong lady.

Carol is survived by husband Don; children Alynn (Randy) Eggert LaPorte, IN; Alan (Trisha) Gentry, St. Charles IL and Andrew Gentry, Kalispell, MT; grandchildren, Kelsey, Cole and Calli Gentry; Tyler and Trevor Eggert; and Benjamin and Taylor Gentry. She is also survived by a sister Becky Moyer and a brother Robert (Bob) Kern, both from Lafayette, IN.

The family is most appreciative to friends and neighbors; Faith Presbyterian Church family; Dr. Jeremy Adler, MD; Staff at Westminster Village; and Amanda Moore from Franciscan Hospice; for their loving support, prayers and comfort.

The family requests no flowers, instead wishes you consider a donation to the Don and Carol Gentry Scholarship at the Purdue Polytechnic Institute, Purdue for Life Foundation, 403 West Wood Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907 or to Faith Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund.

Calling will be on Sunday, August 28th from 4-8pm, at Faith Presbyterian Church, 3318 State Road 26 West, West Lafayette, IN and again one hour before the service at 11am on Monday, August 29, 2022. Rev. David L. Horner and Pastor Andrew Winter will officiate.  Private burial will follow the service at the Old Oxford Cemetery, Perry Township in Tippecanoe County.