Obituary of Mary M. Gentle

Mary Margaret Gentle Bay City, Michigan formerly of Kawkawlin On Tuesday, October 3, 2018, our beloved mother, Mary Margaret (DeGroat) Gentle, passed away at the age of 80. Mary was a devoted wife, mother and friend. She had a keen wit, a tremendous sense of humor and an immense heart. She loved playing cards and bingo and watching God's creatures. She will be remembered forever for her amazing desserts, her sweet soul and her ability to make anyone smile and laugh. Her children will fondly remember her as a pack rat. Mary was born on March 3, 1938 in Saginaw, MI to Teresa and Elias DeGroat. Mary graduated from Saginaw High School. In October 1958, she married Richard John Gentle who preceded her in death. Together they raised four children; Ann Wykowski (Paul) of Keokuk, Iowa; Mike Gentle (Katherin) of Clio, MI; Jerry Gentle (Paula) of Youngsville, NC; and Catherine O'Dell (Jon) of Angier, NC. She also had several grandchildren of whom she loved and cherished. Mary had four siblings: Arthur DeGroat of Saginaw, MI, deceased, and wife Alice; Helen Phillips and husband Jim of St. George, Utah; Edward DeGroat and wife Nancy of Saginaw, MI; and Jerry DeGroat of Unionville, MI, deceased, and wife Jane. In addition, she leaves behind many nieces and nephews. As a devout life-long Roman Catholic, she received her final rites prior to her passing. Mary chose not to be honored with a funeral following her death. Mary was cremated and will be interred with Richard at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, friends and family make a donation to a favorite charity in her memory.