Shirley Evelyn Gentry, 79, of Emmetsburg, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, at her home in Willow Ridge. Shirley, the daughter of Thomas Lee and Beatrice Fairmane (Williams) O'Haver was born March 20, 1938 in Lecoma, Missouri where she was raised. She attended a country school in Lake Springs and graduated from Rolla High School in 1956. Shortly after graduating high school, Shirley became employed as a legal secretary at the law firm of Brewer & Northern. She worked until she was united in marriage to Edward K. Gentry at the Lutheran Church in Rolla, Missouri on September 28th, 1957.

The couple made their home in Manson, Iowa. Shirley became employed as a legal secretary for the attorney Charles O'Connor and worked there until the couple moved to their farm in West Bend, Iowa. Shirley was a homemaker until she became employed at the Area Education agency in Cylinder, Iowa for 23 years.

Shirley enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren, always willing to babysit and enjoyed attending their school events. She was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church where she was a member of the Sarah Circle and enjoyed helping the ladies quilt. She made many lasting friendships that she treasured there, as well as the ones she made after moving into Willow Ridge in June of 2017

Survivors include her children: Lori Forry (Paul) of Emmetsburg, Carla Sisler (Paul) of Shingletown, CA, Julie Elbert (Rick) of Algona and Steve Gentry (Kelly) of Plainview, MN, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren, a sister, Dorothy McMinn (Clinton) of Rolla, MO.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Ed, on December 17, 2016, her parents, brother, Harold O'Haver and sister Doris Spinali.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home