Marilyn (Pulley) Gentry

Carterville - Marilyn Gentry, 85, of Carterville, passed away Sunday, February 4, 2018, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 8, 2018, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Rev. Brad Harlow officiating. Entombment will be in Egyptian Memorial Gardens in Energy. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, 204 Halfway Road, Marion, IL.

Marilyn was born on November 10, 1932, in Marion, to Barney and Pauline (Dwyer) Pulley Sr. On September 26, 1953, she married Donald D. Gentry. Together they have shared 64 wonderful years.

She is survived by her loving husband, Don Gentry of Carterville; daughter, Cheryl (Tom) Couch of Carterville; sons, Jeff Gentry (Brenda Jones) of Weldon Springs, Missouri, Brent Gentry (Laura Garner), and Brad Gentry, all of Carterville; grandchildren, Sara Couch (Adriana Boter) of St. Louis, Katie (J.R.) Oliver of O’Fallon, Xian Couch of Carterville, Elizabeth Gentry of Los Angeles, Hannah Gentry and Heidi Gentry, both of Carterville, Meili Couch of Paducah, and Sophie and Allie Gentry of Weldon Springs, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Sadie Boter and Elsie Oliver; sister, Jane Billings of Hammond, Indiana; her care giver, Helen Cavins Alsbury; numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Barney and Bob Pulley and Jack Berg; and an infant sister.

She graduated in 1977 from SIU with a teaching degree. Marilyn served as a substitute teacher for the area schools.  

Marilyn was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Carterville.

She belonged to the Lioness Club, Friends of the Library Board, and served as Chairperson of the Lions Club Baby Show for 50 years.

Marilyn loved golfing and dancing.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marilyn (Pulley) Gentry, please visit our floral store.