Jane (Jordan) Gentry

Jane Gentry, 87, of Prospect passed away at home on October 11, 2016. She was a woman of strength, work ethic, character, intellect and class. She was born and raised in Tennessee as a farmer’s daughter, a true southern belle.

 She and her husband Finis earned their undergraduate degrees at the University of Tennessee. A great job training opportunity for Finis as an electrical engineer with GE led them to Schenectady in upstate New York.  Jane applied for and also got a job in accounting at GE.

After six months in Schenectady, Finis was transferred to Syracuse where Jane found an accounting job again. They lived in there for three years and Barbara was born. 

Finis was then transferred to a semiconductor manufacturing plant and they lived in Lyons,  NY for 3 ½ years.  Becky and Doug were born there. Finis began commuting 60 miles twice weekly to Syracuse University to earn a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. 

 Finis was again transferred to Syracuse, NY where they lived for 1 ½ years.  

Power Semiconductor manufacturing was relocated to Auburn, NY and Finis was transferred to manage Research & Development for the business. They moved to Skaneateles in June 1960 and lived there for 16 years.  

Jane had always enjoyed designing and making clothes for her family and teaching her friends how to sew.   With the children in school most of the day, Jane decided she would like the challenge of earning a Master’s Degree.

She decided to study Textile Science and Fashion Design.  Her creativity and skills in sewing and fashion design didn’t go unnoticed. After completing her first course, she was asked to teach it the following semester.  She earned her Master’s degree at Syracuse University in 3 years and continued teaching there until she moved to Louisville.  She taught at Syracuse for nine years.

All their children were born and grew up in Upstate New York. The whole family enjoyed life on Skaneateles Lake for over 15 years while learning to swim, and sail boats. With winter snows of 130 inches a year we quickly learned to love snow skiing.

Finis was promoted to General Manager of Range Engineering with GE that brought them to Louisville, KY,  where they have lived happily for over forty years.  Jane always enjoyed playing tennis, bridge, and volunteering to help at church where she participated in and led The Stephen’s Ministry for 8 years.  She was also active in Delta Gamma charity work. 

Jane was a loving mother and grandmother, who was always happy to help out and enjoyed being with them. She had a rare wit and humor and will be missed by all that knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Finis Gentry, children Barbara, Becky  & Doug, grandchildren Johan & Karina Nielsen, Kate, Kristi & David Bosomworth,  James, Lisa & Samuel Gentry and  her sister Joann Ethridge Chilcutt.

Funeral services will be held in the Chapel at 1:00 pm on October 22 at the Second Presbyterian Church, 3701 Old Brownsboro Road, Louisville, Ky 40207.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Alzheimer’s Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave.,  Chicago, IL 60601  On line condolences may be made at  www.stoessfh.com .

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