Mary Josephine (Paschang) Gentry

Mary Josephine Gentry (nee Paschang), a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and pillar of her community, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a rich legacy of love, faith, and family. Born to the late Henry and Coletta (nee Ahrens) Paschang, Mary Jo was raised by her beloved grandmother, Olivia (Seckler) Paschang, after the passing of her mother shortly after her birth. She was preceded in death by her parents, her older sister Cevera Crouch, and her cherished grandmother. 
Also preceding her in death are many aunts and uncles: Cousins Bill (Billy Bob) Fennewald and Joe Paschang. 
Mary Jo leaves behind, her husband Jim, 4 children, 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 2 special cousins, Barbara (Fennewald) Poindexter of Martinsburg, MO and Gary Fennewald of Columbia, MO, other family members and many friends. 
Mary Jo was born and raised in Martinsburg, MO, where she developed a deep­seated faith that she instilled in all those around her. She cherished her roots in the small Catholic community. She graduated from St. Joseph Catholic Grade School and then attended Community R-VI High School in nearby Laddonia, MO. 
At a young age, Mary Jo met James Earl (Jim) Gentry, a boy from Wellsville, MO, who would become her loving husband. The two were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Martinsburg on January 12, 1963, and went on to celebrate a beautiful 62 years of marriage, often spending winters as "snowbirds" in Florida. 
Mary Jo and Jim have been blessed with four children, Coletta (Tom) Hakenewerth of Dutzow, MO; J. Todd Gentry (fiance Caren) of Flint Hill, MO; Jamie (Glenn) Gittemeier of Lake St. Louis, MO; and Kateri (Sean) Lowery of St. Charles, MO. As a mother, she made their home a haven filled with warmth and love, especially in their forever home in Flint Hill, MO, where they became long­time members of St. Theodore Parish. Mary Jo actively contributed to her parish by serving on various committees, including the Ladies Sodality and the Quilting Committee, and everyone knew her as the go-to person for deviled eggs at events. 
In addition to her dedicated service to her community, Mary Jo had a passion for quilting, gardening, and cooking, often expressing joy in the simple pleasures of life-like the satisfaction of pulling weeds after a rain. She loved to travel, exploring destinations like Hawaii, Mexico, England, France, Italy and created cherished memories with family on trips, including memorable train journeys with her son Todd and granddaughter Sara. 
Mary Jo's heart was especially full when surrounded by her large family, including her 11 grandchildren: Sara (Tim) Maune, Kayla (Brian) Maune, Karlie (Dylan) Anderson, Brett Gittemeier, Reece Gentry, Ava Gentry, Julie Gittemeier, Elliana, Lowery, Jameson Lowery, Stella Lowery, Mila Lowery and 8 great-grandchildren: Natalie, Lynnea & Sylvia Maune; Hailey, Jolene & Silas Maune; Miles & Caroline Anderson. Each year, beginning in 1992, she and Jim invited their children and all the grands and great-grands to Grand Haven, Ml. This is a tradition that she was so proud of and year after year the anticipation of the trip would build. This is a tradition that exemplified her commitment to family cohesion. She loved the nuttiness of having everyone together-even though no one lives too far from one another in MO, there is something about that week of uninterrupted game­playing, ice cream shop trips, thrifting, beach time, bicycling and beautiful sunsets. 
Though she adored traveling, Mary Jo found immense joy in her home, where she dedicated herself to creating a welcoming and loving space. She wanted her family to come when they wanted, stay as long as they could, and visit often. Her greatest accomplishments were her children, the love she shared with her grandchildren, and the strength of her faith in the Lord. 
Mary Josephine Gentry will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love and unwavering faith will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.

In memory of Mary Gentry memorial donations can be made to St. Vincent DePaul School Dutzow, St. Cletus School St. Charles, St. Theodore School Flint Hill  or Masses in care of Pitman Funeral Home P.O. Box 248 Wentzville, MO 63385.

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