Helen J. Gentis: 1934 – 2010
Helen J. Gentis, 75, a resident of Fort Wayne, passed away at 12:20 a. m. on Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne. She had been a patient there since Thursday.
Mrs. Gentis was born in Bluffton on July 19, 1934, a daughter of George Edward and Annabell (Leanch) Betz, and spent her formative years there. She lived much of her adult life in Blackford County, where she was employed at Sheller Globe in Montpelier for 33 years. She later returned to Wells County and lived there until moving to Fort Wayne in 1991.
While living in Fort Wayne she was employed at Hospital Laundry Service, retiring from there five years ago.
She was a member of the International Chemical Workers Local 444.
The surviving relatives include her children Ernest (Colleen) Betz of Sylva, NC., and Gene E. Hawk and Lenah A. Hawk, both of Fort Wayne; four brothers Homer (Phyllis) Betz of Franklin, Jim (Treva) Betz of Poneto, Joe (Connie) Betz of Decatur, and Robert (Annie) Betz of Bluffton; six sisters Esther (David) Clements of Indianapolis, Blanche (Bruce) Willette of Bluffton, Wilma (Pat) Ohern of Hartford City, Sue (Tom) Johnson and Linda (John) Stinson, both of Bluffton, and Lori Ann (Bill) Zent of Huntington; and two grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers Edward Betz and Fred “Pete” Betz.
Funeral services will be held at 6 p. m. on Thursday, March 4, 2010, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Community [meeting at Grace St. John's United Church of Christ], 4120 Webster St., Fort Wayne. Father Michael Holland will officiate.
The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday after 2 p. m. until the time of the service.
Burial will be at a later date in Fairview Cemetery, near Bluffton.
Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements.
The family requests that memorials be directed to Holy Redeemer Catholic Community.
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To leave a condolence for the family in Mrs. Gentis’ memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Gene Hawk & Family,
I am deeply saddened by your loss.
Please accept my condolences.
Gene, If I can help in any way, please let me know.
March 2nd, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Gene my thoughts & prayers go out to you & your family, God Bless!
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:11 am
Gene,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your mother. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Let me know, if there is anything you need.
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:48 am
Gene, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. May your memories give you strength and comfort.
March 3rd, 2010 at 12:06 pm
FAMILY OF HELEN – I HAVE FOND CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF HELEN AT OUR OLD NEIGHBORHOOD IN BLUFFTON…..GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU! JOAN
March 3rd, 2010 at 3:16 pm
TO MY COUSINS AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS:
AUNT HELEN IS NOW WITH GRANDMA, GRANDPA, UNCLE ED AND UNCLE PETE. I AM MOURNING THE LOSS OF MY AUNT BUT I KNOW SOMEDAY WE WILL ALL BE TOGETHER. RIP AUNT HELEN AND TO ALL MY FAMILY…SENDING LOVE
March 3rd, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Dear Ernie, Colleen, Sheri, and Kris,
We are so very sad for the loss of your mom, mother-in-law, and grandmother! She was a fantastic person and it was a privilege to know her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during these sad days.
Love to you all!
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:24 pm
Ernie and Colleen,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I will be remembering you and your family in my prayers during this time.
JoAnn Arrington
Waynesville, NC
March 4th, 2010 at 12:51 am
The Family of Helen Is in our thoughts and prayers. We had many good times with her, many years ago. We are in Florida for the winter, so we will not be able to attend the veiwing. Sharon and Bill Gentis
March 4th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Earnie, Colleen and family,
All of us at the Sylva VR Office would like to express our sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
March 4th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Gene
I will not be able to make it to the viewing but
want to pass along my condolences in the loss of
your Mother. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
March 6th, 2010 at 10:51 am
Ernie, Gene and Weenie.
They say children are a gift from God but so are
moms. Just like the wind (sometimes very strong winds!) Helen will always be here. If I ever doubted it, I saw it in you guys with the strength and the grace you have had through this. God loves you and so do we.