Wanda L. (Cowan) Gentry

Wanda L. Gentry, 82, of Carterville, passed away Saturday, May 4, 2024, at her home, with her family by her side. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 10, 2024, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Rev. T.J. Gentry officiating.  Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Carterville.  Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Friday, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to New Covenant Christian School in West Frankfort. 

Wanda was born on November 25, 1941, in Herrin, to Richard and Elsie (Russell) Cowan.  She married Thomas “Tom” Gentry on February 4, 1961, in Carterville.  He preceded her in death on June 1, 2018. 

She is survived by her daughters, Pam Jeralds, Jennifer (Tim) Smith, and Kelly (Brooks) Venable; sons, T.J. (Amy) Gentry and Paul (Kristen) Gentry; grandchildren, Josh (Jodi) Jeralds, Sean (Natalie) Jeralds, Kelsey (Keith) Larkin, Wes (Shelbi) Smith, Kaci Venable, Joseph Venable, Rachel (Jackson) Scalero, Ireland (Stephen) Dillard, Gwyneth (Joel) Watson, Ashton Gentry, Jesse Gentry, Jude Gentry, Andrew (Nikki) Gentry, Brigitte (Nick) Hogan, Natalie Gentry and Braden (Morgan) Gentry; great-grandchildren, Ridge Jeralds, Moriah Jeralds, Mason Watts, Haven Watts, Allie Larkin, Lane Smith, Harrison Smith, Russell Smith, Matilda Smith, Hallie Romero, Meadow Romero, Ellie Venable, Evelyn Scalero, Lydia Scalero Miles Watson, Darcy Dillard, Eliza Gentry, Hannah Gentry, Piper Hogan and Sawyer Hogan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; grandson, Samuel Gentry; and brother, Robert Cowan. 

Wanda was a bus driver at Carterville Unit #5 for 10 years and worked as a Teller for Carterville State & Saving Bank for 14 years. 

She was a member of the First Christian Church in West Frankfort.

Wanda was also a member of the Pinochle Group for over 60 years, attended Monday Meals, and loved her cats. Most of all, her family was the most important part of her life and left them with her “Wandaisms”: “It Is What It Is” and “Not A Good Situation”. 

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