Karen Gentry

Karen Faye Gentry, 77, of Jackson passed away Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, peacefully at her home.

Karen was born Oct. 9, 1946, in Cape Girardeau to John Francis and Iris Sander Graff. She was a 1964 graduate of Scott City High School.

Karen and James R. Gentry were married Dec. 31, 1964, in Illmo. Four children were born to their union: Lori, Amy, Jill and Jason. They had been married 33 years when James passed away May 24, 1998.

Karen retired in 2007 from Orthopedic Associates in Cape Girardeau.

She was known for home cooking, especially her chicken and dumplings and tea rings. When guests came to town, these were a top request. Her kids and grandkids were her world and always came first. They were her best inventions, and it says so on her headstone.

Karen was saved by the grace of Jesus and knew she was going to Heaven when it was her time. She wanted no fuss made and wanted everyone to know she was happy. She had desperately missed her son for 33 years and was ready to be reunited with him.

She loved her life group at her church, which was CrossRoads Church in Jackson. She was blessed to be loved by countless friends.

Loving survivors include three daughters, Lori (Brent) Wills, Jill (Brad) Noel of Jackson and Amy (the late Christopher) Haertling of New Wells; six grandchildren, Kyla (Blake) Taylor, and son, Nathan, and the impending arrival of Maely Blake of Madisonville, Kentucky; Brandon (Haley) Wills, and son, Brooks of Jackson; Lindsey Noel and Jason Noel of Jackson; Allison Haertling and Jackson Haertling of New Wells; six siblings, Priscilla Pennington, Charles Graff, John Graff, Stephen Graff, Teresa (Ed) Trouy and Chris(Shannon) Graff; 10 beloved nieces and nephews; and countless great-nieces and great-nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband; son, Jason Kyle Gentry, who she dearly missed; a son-in-law, Christopher Haertling; a sister-in-law, Debbie Graff; her parents; and Jim’s parents, Glen R. “Roger” and Rose Clark Gentry; and her Granny and Papaw Sander. Her Papaw Sander gave her the nickname “Rusty”, which family called her to this day.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 10, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. The Rev. Brian Anderson will conduct the funeral service at noon Saturday, Aug. 10. Burial will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Wills, Jackson Haertling, Jason Noel, Blake Taylor, Brent Wills and Brad Noel.

If considering a memorial, the family suggests the Jackson R-2 School Foundation. Please memo checks “Jason Gentry Scholarship”.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall above Karen’s obituary article at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.