Martha Jane Gentry

Martha Jane “Janie” Klos Gentry was born August 5, 1931, in Fletcher, OK, to Cleo Vera (Harrison) Klos Abbott and Frank Edward Klos. She went to be with the Lord on February 12, 2014, in Bakersfield, CA.

Janie was married to Cloid B. “Rocky” Gentry in 1949 in Chickasha, OK. The two resided in Coalinga, CA, and later moved to Bakersfield. They had two children, Bill and Gayle. Janie and Rocky were married for 53 years. They enjoyed camping and hunting trips, as well as many good times with family and friends.

Janie worked at Memorial Hospital among co-workers she loved dearly. She was an excellent gardener, turning her yard into an oasis in Oildale. She kept the yard up into her later years, always enjoying sitting out back watching the grandchildren and great-grandchildren play in the sprinkler and run in the yard.

Janie was a founding and faithful member of Valley Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Sunshine Sunday school class. Janie was passionate about her faith, sharing it with many. She would invite anyone she could to come with her to the church she loved so much, even driving others to church regularly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rocky. She is survived by her son, Bill and wife Denese of Grover Beach, CA, daughter Gayle of Bakersfield; grandchildren, Shannon Oxborrow and husband Wally, Jamie Pelfrey and husband Robert, Tommy Gentry, and Denni Murray and husband John; and eleven great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers: Tommy Gentry, Wally and Tyler Oxborrow, John Murray, Greg Ramalho, David Brackett, and Rick Penney.

Services will be Thursday, February 20, at 11:00am, at Valley Baptist Church, 4800 Fruitvale Ave., with Revs. Roger Spradlin and Robert Pelfrey officiating. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary.