Thelma Ann Gentry (Ann), died peacefully at the age of 91 at her home in Springfield, Missouri, July 31, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Jack Thomas Gentry, who died in 2006. Ann lived a long and fulfilling life. She was born in Billings, Montana on October 14, 1924, daughter of Barbara Christine (Allen) Kern and William Daniel Kern, who preceded her in death. Two younger brothers, Arland Hans Kern and Allen Lee Kern, also preceded her in death. Ann grew up in the foothills of the Little Rocky Mountains in northeastern Montana. She lived in Zortman during her preschool years, and moved to Hays, a small town located on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, where her father established a mercantile business. Her home in Hays was a log cabin, built by her father. Because of the limited educational opportunities in Hays, Ann lived with relatives in Malta, Montana during her school years, returning to Hays during the summer months.

Ann attended her freshman year at St. Olaf Lutheran College in Minnesota. She transferred to the University of Montana her sophomore year, and graduated with a degree in Spanish and Psychology in 1946. During her final semester, Ann met Jack Thomas Gentry, who was enrolled at the University of Montana after his discharge from WWII service as a Naval Aviator in the U.S. Marine Corps. Jack and Ann were married on July 28, 1946, and Jack transferred to the Montana School of Mines in Butte to pursue a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. During their four years in Butte, Ann's first two children, Kathleen (Kay) and Suzan (Suzie) were born.

Jack graduated in 1950, and the family moved numerous times as his career progressed. They established homes in Utah, Hawaii, Arizona and southern California. Ann enjoyed all of these locations, remembering most fondly the cities where her three younger children, Jill, John and William (Bill) were born. The family moved to Springfield in 1964. In 1966 Jack and Ann established Positronic Industries in Springfield. Ann worked alongside Jack to build the company that today has eight factory locations worldwide, and is a respected global manufacturer of electronic connectors.

Ann grew up in a family that was civic minded. Her parents were always ready to extend a helping hand to those in need. As her children left home, Ann became more actively involved in many charities and community organizations in the Springfield area. She provided financial support as well as fund raising efforts, and served on numerous boards and committees. Ann wrote a book for new mothers entitled "Steps to Good Parenting," and donated more than 2,400 copies to local parenting and youth groups to use as a teaching tool.

Ann enjoyed her friendships as well as her family. Growing up, she loved to ice skate, ride horses, and dance to the Big Band music of the 1940's. Ann also loved to play bridge and gin rummy, and was involved in SMMA and an investment club while living in Springfield. Ann and Jack traveled extensively for both business and pleasure, and enjoyed life to the fullest. Ann was always adventurous, and in her later years, she went up in a hot air balloon, climbed a 12,000 ft. mountain in Colorado, and rode a Sea Doo water craft.

Ann is survived by her five children, 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, along with other relatives. Her surviving children include Kay Gentry, Crested Butte, Colorado; Suzie Sullivan, Springfield; Jill Owen (spouse Tommy), Houston, Texas; John Gentry (spouse Susan), Springfield; and Bill Gentry (spouse Audrey), Singapore. Her surviving grandchildren include Scott Landrum (spouse Stacey), Springfield; Lee Owen (spouse Shannon), Houston; Andrea Owen, Jenna Owen, and Chase Owen, Houston; John Gentry, Jr., Orlando, Florida; Benjamin Gentry, Springfield; Nicholas Gentry and Alexander Gentry, Singapore; Amy Carle (husband Glenn), Melbourne, Australia and Kay's adopted daughter ThuThu Sbar (spouse David). Ann's surviving great grandchildren include Devin and Brooklyn Landrum, Springfield; Avery and Kate Owen, Houston, and Liam and Oliver Carle, Australia. Ann is also survived by her two sisters-in-law, Darlene Gentry Borris and Beverly Kern Lang; her nieces Cheryl Borris Morenc (spouse Gary) and Kathy Kern Bell; and her nephews, The Honorable Thomas Borris, David, Daniel and Dale Kern, and great nieces and nephews, Stacey and Kyle Bell, and Curtis, Catherine, Ryan, Tiffany, Cory, Mary and Andrea Kern.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2016 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole in Springfield. A private burial service for family will be held at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, where Ann will be laid to rest with her husband, Jack. Ann was a kind, loving and generous lady, who touched the hearts of many people as she journeyed through her life. Her family would like to thank the women from Oxford Health Care and Hospice, who provided their professional services, as well as their personal attention, love and care, to Ann in the last years of her life.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, or to a local charity of one's choice.