Carla Gentry

Mary Carla Swenson Gentry, 69, of El Paso, Texas, passed away January 21st with her loving family at her side. Carla was born May 7, 1946 to Carl and Beverly Swenson in Stamford, Texas. She married her best friend, David, who stayed strong by her side for almost 48 loving years. Carla proudly graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Music Education degree, and remained an enthusiastic Red Raiders fan. She devoted her life to her family and her church, St. Alban’s, where she was the secretary and choir member for many years. Carla is survived by her husband, David Gentry; her sister, Christy Kreger and husband Fred, her children, Courtney Bates (Jason), Eric Gentry (April), Adrienne Nevarez (Angel), Whitney Rodriguez (Eric), Tony Hajjar (Nicole); and her 15 grandchildren. She is going to be deeply missed by all of those who were blessed to know her love. Carla lived by the saying “This too shall pass,” and always kept her children grounded by reminding them of what is really important in life- love. She loved everyone she met instantly and unconditionally, and always made sure to let everyone know that. She found the good in every single person she came across. Carla cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and greatly appreciated her husband’s unending love and devotion. Her family and friends will fondly remember her giving the most sincere hugs, always saying “I love you” to end a conversation, her happy whistling, playing the piano, and her love of crossword puzzles, music, gardening, animals, and dancing to “dusting music” (all of which she passed on to her children and grandchildren).
Graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the Bethel Lutheran Cemetery in Ericksdahl, TX officiated by Pastor Teresa Davis and under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home of Stamford.