Reba Kay Gentry
March 19, 1941 – July 31, 2025
Reba Kay Gentry, 84, of Speedway, Indiana, passed from this life on July 31, 2025, after facing cancer for a second time. True to form, she met every moment with grace, strength, and just the right touch of stubbornness.
Born to Luther and Lilly Mae (George) Bewley, Reba was the second youngest of twelve siblings — a lively bunch who filled her early years with love, laughter, and more than a few shenanigans. She was preceded in death by her beloved brothers and sisters: Clara (Bob), Ernest (Bertie), Billy (Mildred), Hazel (Bob), Mary (Leo), Harry “Russ” (Joyce), Arnold, Audrey, Charles (Kathleen), David (Charlie), and Nancy. We can only imagine the joyful reunion now!
In 1956, Reba pulled a fast one — she hid her suitcase in the bushes before running off to Lebanon with Charles Gentry, fibbed about her age on the marriage license, and started a love story that spanned decades. Together they raised three children (spread out over 16 years to keep life interesting): Ronald (Terri), Rhonda (John), and Rory (Watcharee). Reba and Charles shared many years together before his passing in 2002.
Reba adored her growing family, which includes grandchildren Jamie (Rod), Jaclyn (Donald), and Polina (Brett); great-grandchildren Jonathan (Juliann), Seirra (Noah), Kaylee (Sush), Conner, and Nik; and great-great-grandsons Oliver and Gabriel — plus one sweet baby girl on the way. She was the proud matriarch of a family that made her smile every day, as well as cuss on a few here & there.
Throughout her life, Reba wore many hats, but her favorite role (outside of mom and grandma) was working at Noble Developmental Centers. She always had fun joining Ernie and Bertie working a booth at the Indiana State Fair and chatting with visitors while employed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum gift shop.
She had a big heart and a generous spirit, always finding ways to help others, often with Charlie by her side and a smile on her face. Whether she was gathering donations for the Cancer Society, Myasthenia Gravis, or Retinitis Pigmentosa, she never missed a chance to lend a hand. She brought her energy and enthusiasm to the Brownsburg Cheer Committee, helping bring holiday joy to families in need. And for years, she and Charlie took matters into their own mittens—organizing their own holiday assistance program with friends and coworkers to provide coats, shoes, school clothes, and toys to children throughout Indianapolis.
Reba was a world-class shopper who enjoyed traveling. She loved browsing the shops in Nashville (Indiana and Tennessee), bargaining at the flea market in Shipshewana, and strolling the Talbot Street Art Fair. She journeyed to Germany, soaked in the sun in Tarpon Springs, and reveled in the charm (and fudge) of Mackinac Island.
She wrapped gifts like a pro — the kind of beautiful presents you almost didn’t want to open — and baked like one too. Her banana bread, cobblers, and fudge were well-known (and well-loved). She always had candy nearby — dark chocolate and eclairs were her favorites — but to be a good example to the kids she would eat fruit at every meal (even if she followed it with dessert). She could always make room for pizza from Mug-n-Bun, a good tenderloin, or a burger from Workingman’s Friend.
In her later years, she loved relaxing in her recliner, watching HSN, home improvement shows, cooking competitions, The Big Bang Theory, and the evening news — usually with a piece of chocolate nearby.
Reba was always ready with a helping hand, wise words, and more than a few ‘brilliant ideas’ — whether you asked for them or not. She’ll be deeply missed and fondly remembered, not just for all she did, but for how she made people feel: loved, welcomed, and never left hungry.
Reba will be laid to rest in Clayton Cemetery following a private graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S) or to the American Cancer Society.
Mom, “I love you with all my heart.” I’ll never forget hearing those words. I will miss you infinitely, but I’m equally glad to know that you are not suffering anymore. You were an incredible mom, even when the odds were against us. You gave me freedom when I needed it, and shaped my life. My only regret is that you never got to meet Wat… but I’ll also remember the smile on your face and happiness in your voice when she made a video call to you in hospice. I think that was the last time I truly saw you smile. Love always, from your “baby boy” and “the fixer”…
Aunt Reba, I always enjoyed our time hanging out at the state fair together. You were once of the nicest people I knew.
My father Randy said he remembers fond memories of her taking care of him when he was young. She was always so caring and loving, she will be missed.
My Mom always spoke so highly of you, Amanda, (& all of Ernie & Bertie’s kids & grandkids)! She always said that there wasn’t one in the bunch that doesn’t have the kindest of hearts!
I am so sorry to hear this. Mrs. Gentry was a lovely woman and I always enjoyed those times I crossed her path. A lovely person whose humanity had no limits…God Bless you all.
Thank you for your kind words, Mike. Hoping you & yours are well!
My favorite Aunt and an incredible person. I got to see her in many different lights throughout her life. She was warm and genuine ! Always there to see your Facebook post and give support and acknowledgment . Such a kind and giving person. The last of the Bewley first generation. I’m sure you are having a family reunion in heaven! You will be missed here!!!
Thanks for sharing your sweet sentiments, Jane. We considered trying to put together an impromptu family reunion after her diagnosis; however, she just declined too quickly. Rory & I were caring for her at home and time just wasn’t conducive to pulling it off. I know she would have loved to have visited with everyone again had her health allowed. She often reminisced of the family reunions that we used to attend. No doubt, she is in good company amongst those who went before her!