In Remembrance

Joan Ellin Gentry

July 2, 1959 – June 3, 2018

Joan Gentry, 58, passed away Sunday, June 3^rd at Essentia in Duluth surrounded by her loving family, good friend Tammy, and Pastor Steven. She was born on July 2, 1959 in Dayton, Ohio to Louis and Ellin (Clemens) Skimming.

Joan managed a family pet store with her husband and daughter, Kim, in Ohio. She also ran a successful daycare, among other pursuits. Most recently, she was a Sunday School teacher at Lakeview Covenant then Salem Covenant.

Joan was a devout Christian. She lived each day with the purpose of spreading God’s Word and enriching the lives of all around her. She cared for the homeless with the same zeal she felt for her own family. In her spare time she crafted everything from plarn (plastic yarn) mats for the homeless to sleep on to kits made for each season to aid in their comfort. She was an inspiration to her husband and will be missed by all who knew her.

Joan was a member of Salem Covenant Church, where she felt at home after her very first visit. The people there made such an impression on her that she could not wait to join their congregation and get involved in the church’s activities.

Joan was preceded in death by her mother and father.

She is survived by her husband, Robert; her daughters, Megan and Kim; stepdaughters, Gina and Krissy; brother, Louis Skimming; sister, Sherri Carlson; and lots of grandkids.

The family would like to thank the Essentia SICU, especially Angela, for their professionalism, unwavering compassion, and support to Joan and her family.

Joan will be supremely missed, but she is home with Jesus, which was what she most hoped for.