Phyllis M. Gentry

Phyllis Mardell Gentry left this earthly realm with a full and happy heart on November 15, 2023. Phyllis was born on April 12, 1937, in Clayton, NM to Festus and Lorene Gentry (No it is not a typo and yes, her children have heard every joke imaginable through the years.)

While there has been lighthearted debate over the actual year of her birth through the years, Phyllis spent a glorious 86 years on this earth. She was raised in Los Alamos, NM, during the development of the atomic bomb. Phyllis shared many stories of what it was like to live there at the time it was a closed and guarded military installation and in such a time of uncertainty for our great nation and the world.

She graduated from Los Alamos High School at the age of 15 and went on to serve as administrative assistant for the superintendent of Los Alamos Public Schools and later for Zia Company, a firm contracted to the Department of Energy. In her spare time, she secretaried rodeos and met a handsome young cowboy named Lynn Gentry.

She and Lynn married on August 21, 1962. Phyllis moved to the small farming community of Dell City and became a staunch champion of the community, the school and the many friends and family she grew to love and cherish through the years. Phyllis served on the school board, fair board, clinic board, EMS board, and water board. She hosted class parties for her children Melvin and Melanie and organized Easter egg hunts on the family farm. Together with Lynn and their dear friend Larry Karr; Phyllis cooked thousands of pounds of beef brisket for the FFA and other student organizations, class fundraisers and many benefits for folks in need. Through all of it she built treasured and lasting friendships with many other moms and dads who joined together in support of their kids.

Phyllis and Lynn were inseparable for 31 years. They ran a trucking company, custom cubing operation and farmed in the little valley. Their bond only grew stronger as Lynn battled cancer in the early 90's. He passed away on August 21, 1993 in Houston, TX with Phyllis by his side.

Following Lynn's passing, Phyllis' world revolved around her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. As evidenced by the twinkle in her eye and smile on her face when they entered a room or called and texted their beloved Gammy. Her "kids" brought her so much joy and a few gray hairs through the years. She loved them beyond measure.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her mother, father, brother Virden, her beloved husband Lynn, and an infant son Kevin. She is survived by her son Melvin (Carmen), daughter Melanie, grandsons Barry (Shannon) and Kody (Kellye); granddaughter Kasey (Jesse) Dozier; great grandchildren, Tanner, Jolee, Rylan, Acy, Everett (Evy), Owen and so many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at Sunset Gardens Memorial Park with Pastor Herb Gage officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to your local FFA Chapter or favorite charity in her name.

Pallbearers will be Barry Gentry, Kody Gentry, Tanner Gentry, Jesse Dozier, Terry Green and Steve Wright.