Ruth Wagner Gentry, 91, of Durham went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, February 15. Ruth was born in Person County on December 21, 1925 to the late Claude Wagner and Bannie Brown Wagner.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Gentry, her oldest son, David Gentry, and her brothers and sisters, Maggie Allen, Eva Tuck, Isaac Wagner, Lacy Wagner, Clarise Ramsey, Mildred Holland, and Clyde Wagner. Surviving are two children Marie Gentry Phelps (Rusty), Daniel Gentry (Bonny), and her step son, Norman Gentry (Martha); five grandchildren, Greg Phelps (Becky), Jessica Phelps Wheless (Jeremy), David Gentry (Allison), Travis Phelps, and Candice Lynch; and five great grandchildren, Easton Phelps, Eli Phelps, Sarah Wheless, Kaylee Gentry, and Abby Lynch. In addition, she has five grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren by her son, Norman.
Ruth moved to Durham in 1945 and married the love of her life, Jesse Gentry. They both worked at American Tobacco Company until their retirement and made many lifelong friends with their co-workers. Ruth was an active member of her church, Immanuel FWB Church for many years. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and entertaining others at her home. Christmastime was her favorite time of the year and she took great enjoyment in decorating her home for the holidays. Her spirit of love and hospitality will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.
Funeral Services will be held at Immanuel Free Will Baptist Church on Ellis Road on Tuesday, February 21 at 11 am. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Monday, February 20, from 6-8 pm at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service.
Online condolences www.hallwynne.com, select obituaries.
Tracy and Terry Carnell
February 17, 2017 at 9:34 pmDaniel and David and Allison Gentry
Terry and I are so sorry for you loss. We are sending love and prayers to you all and if you guys need anything please let us know. We love you all.
Marie Gentry Phelps
March 9, 2017 at 11:13 amThank you so much for your thoughtful message. Blessings to you both.
Marie
Paulette mcfalls
February 17, 2017 at 11:26 pmPRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY OF RUTH GENTRY. SHE WAS A SWEET LADY AND WILL BE TRULY MISSED.
Marie Gentry Phelps
March 9, 2017 at 11:15 amThank you so much for your prayers during our time of loss. Mom is greatly missed by us and all her friends.
Blessings,
Marie Gentry Phelps
Teresa Gentry. Barry
February 18, 2017 at 12:47 amAlthough we lived so far apart and I didn’t get to see her very often, Our visits were always times Blessed with laughter that would go on till our stomach would hurt. You know the kind of laughter Where you have to avoid looking at each other or you’ll start laughing again. I remember Watching in amazement as she baked biscuits so perfectly. She was an amazing, beautiful, loving woman (granny) who was loved by everyone who had the pleasure of spending time with her. God gained and angel
Marie Gentry Phelps
March 9, 2017 at 11:18 amDear Teresa,
Thank you for your sweet words of remembrance of Mom. She was loved by all who were fortunate to know her. I too will miss Mom’s wonderful ability to whip up a meal in no time at all. She is greatly missed!
Love,
Marie Gentry Phelps
Laura McMillian
February 18, 2017 at 7:24 amRob and Vera you are in my thoughts and prayers I. this difficult time. May God wrap you in his tender mercies.
Bill Smith
February 18, 2017 at 8:11 amSo sorry to hear of the passing of Ruth. We think about all the times we had bible studies at her house. Praying for the family.
Marie Gentry Phelps
March 9, 2017 at 11:20 amOh Bill,
Mom enjoyed you and Linda so much. When she mentioned your name it was always with a smile and chuckle. She enjoyed hosting the bible studies immensely.
Take care,
Marie Gentry Phelps
Sandra Gentry Miller
February 18, 2017 at 8:46 amI am so sorry for your great loss truly this was a Godly woman and such a great influence in my life I loved her so much and she will always be in my heart best mother-in-law ever and the most wonderful person and she was kindest person all I can remember is laughter she jusknew how to make you laugh and find the good in everybody I love you all and I’m so sorry for your loss some of my greatest memories and all that I’ve learned was from your mom could ask for a greater mom and you’re so right nobody can make Christmas as great as your mom made Christmas all the love and laughter and warmth and her home was always open to everybody
Marie Gentry Phelps
March 9, 2017 at 11:24 amDear Sandy,
Thank you for your kind words. Mom did love everyone. She was always ready to share laugh with anyone. Christmas was always a joyous time. It will not be the same without her. But she would be the first to say enjoy the memories and continue to make new and lasting ones.
Love you,
Marie Gentry Phelps
Tammy Wagner Harrington
February 18, 2017 at 5:45 pmWe are so sorry for your loss. I am One of Isaac Wagner granddaughters (Tammy Wagner Harrington) The daughter of Claude Wagner from Sanford NC. My son has done research on a family tree and a couple years ago he called Ruth and sure did enjoy talking with her and appreciated her taking the time to speak with him. Again so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our prayers.
Marie Gentry Phelps
March 9, 2017 at 11:27 amDear Tammy,
Thank you for your kind words. Mom was so excited when ya’ll came by to see her. She loved her brothers and sisters dearly and was excited to host the grandson of her oldest brother.
Blessings to you and your sweet family,
Marie Gentry Phelps
Leonard Doucette
February 18, 2017 at 10:13 pmMarie,
Please know that our thoughts and prayers and love are with you and your family as you grieve the loss of your mother. Life without her will never be the same. You will miss her physical presence. However, the lives of you and your family have been enriched and blessed by the life your mother lived among you.
Love,
Leonard and Coleen
Marie Gentry Phelps
March 9, 2017 at 11:31 amDear Leonard and Coleen,
Thank you for words of encouragement. I already know that life without her will never be the same. I miss her terribly but I am blessed with wonderful memories that can bring a smile to my heart along with tears to my eyes.
Blessings to you both,
Marie Gentry Phelps
Brian & Katie Cameron and family
February 21, 2017 at 11:45 amRuth was such a dear, sweet lady who loved the Lord! I know she will me missed by so many! Our prayers are with all of the family at this time and and in days ahead.
Marie Gentry Phelps
March 9, 2017 at 11:34 amDear Brian and Katie,
Thank you for your kind words about our Mom. It is a comfort to know that others recognized her sweet heart and kind spirit. Your prayers are coveted as we grieve our loss.
Blessings,
Marie Gentry Phelps
Diane Allen Duoree
February 22, 2017 at 7:39 amRuth is my father’s aunt, and I remember all the times when my family went to visit , all the great food and hospitality she shared. May God Bless your family
Marie Gentry Phelps
March 9, 2017 at 11:35 amDear Diane
Thank you for your kind words and remembrance of Mom. She loved having people come by for a visit and she was always ready to prepare a meal for them.
Take care,
Marie Gentry Phelps