Elizabeth "Liz" Ann (Smith) Gentry

Elizabeth “Liz” Ann Gentry, 67, Kokomo, passed away Monday, May 26, 2025, at her home surrounded by family. Born August 3, 1957, in Kokomo, she was the daughter of the late Joyce C. (Willis) Land & Richard E. Smith.  On January 18, 1975, she married Steven William Gentry who survives.

Liz was a graduate of Northwestern High School, class of 1975. Her professional life was dedicated to the healthcare sector, where she spent 20 years between Ascension St. Joe Hospital and Community Howard Regional Health. At St. Joe Hospital, she worked as a Telemetry Tech and Patient Care Tech, and at Community Howard, she held roles as a secretary and Telemetry Tech. Her colleagues fondly remembered her as "Claire the Crunchy Dinosaur," a testament to her unique and endearing personality. Liz lived a life marked by modesty, privacy, and a quiet intensity that transformed into warmth and vivacity once one got to know her. Described by family and friends as "a little witchy," Liz had a profound connection with nature and history.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Liz was deeply engaged in various hobbies that reflected her eclectic interests. She was an avid gardener, a lover of music, and had a keen interest in history, especially the Civil War, the 1960s, and the Vietnam War. Liz often visited old cemeteries for stone rubbings, hooked rugs and tapestries by hand, enjoyed collecting antiques with her husband, and adored all animals. She was also a founding member of the local artisan group Granny Bees and Bittersweet Cabin, and before that Red Bow, through which she nurtured a community of like-minded individuals. Her dedication to service was evident in her efforts during the Vietnam War, where she made care packages for soldiers.

Along with her husband Steve, Liz is also survived by her children, Erin Lee (Mike) Geiselman, Lori Anne (Dock) Henry, Travis William Gentry and her grandson Ayden William Gentry, whom she raised as a son; grandchildren, Christian (Becca) Robinson, Jonah Geiselman, Elizabeth Joyce Geiselman, Maddy Henry, Corbin Henry and Alia Henry; siblings, Deborah (Rick) McFall and Diana (Jim) Arnold; nieces and nephews, Rachel Hiesterman, Adam Hill, Rick McFall Jr, Stephanie Stevens, Katelyn Gentry, Alyssa Washington, Madison Gentry, Courtney Gentry and Jake Gentry, as well as two great-nieces, and several great-nephews.

Liz was preceded in death by her parents; niece and nephews, Cheri McFall, Zachary Gentry, Joshua Gentry; son-in-law Thomas Rose; and her dear friend, Beth Notaro.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Joel Larison officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 1–4 pm on Sunday, June 1, 2025, and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home. She will be privately interred at Crown Point Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Liz’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, reflecting her lifelong commitment to helping others.

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