Patsy Gentry

ST. CLAIR, Mo. — Patsy "Pat" Hosea Gentry, most recently of St. Clair, passed away Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital.

Pat was born Aug. 19, 1932, in Kelso, Missouri, the first of two children of Claude and Doretta Tucker Hosea. Pat's brother, Claude (Betty) Hosea Jr. survives.

Pat graduated from Illmo-Fornfelt-Ancell High School in 1950. She was valedictorian of her class.

She married William "Bill" H. Gentry on Sept. 1, 1951, in Piggott, Arkansas. He preceded her in death in 2015. Pat and Bill were the proud parents of four children: Hal (Jean Daniel-Gentry), Terry (Gerrie Brinker), Mark (Michelle Mangnall) and Tammy (John) Dean. All her children survive, as do her eight grandchildren: Christine (the late Dane) Jagr, Scott Gentry (Tammie Colbert), Tera (Ryan) Thorn, Joe Dean, John Dean and Jesse (Samantha) Dean. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren.

Pat's career spanned 43 years. It began with positions that included legal secretary, bank teller and administrative assistant and office manager at several local business in and around Scott City. After the family moved to St. Louis County in 1965, Pat accepted a position at United Van Lines as assistant to the comptroller. She advanced through the ranks of the company to her final position as marketing analyst. She was voted Woman of the Year twice during her 28 years at United Van Lines. She retired in 1993.

Pat and Bill moved to Lake Egypt, Illinois, when they retired. They enjoyed 22 years of hosting family and friends at their lakeside home, boating and fishing. Pat moved back to St. Louis County when Bill died. She later relocated to St. Clair to be closer to her son, Terry.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at Amick-Burnett Funeral home in Scott City.

A private funeral will be held Saturday, Jan. 14.

Memorial contributions are preferred to Autism Speaks, www.autismspeaks.org.