Julia Gentry, 80
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 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.
A memorial service is planned for March 25, 2023 with internment following cremation at a later date. 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
