Rita Mary Gentle

Rita Mary Gentle, age 91, passed away Thursday afternoon, December 28, 2017 at McLaren Bay Region. The daughter of the late Joseph and Stella Delestowicz Norlock was born July 31, 1926 in Bay City, MI. Rita was united in marriage to Thomas M. Gentle in 1949. She was a member of All Saints Parish - St. James Church. She worked at Bailey's Nursing Home and retired from General Hospital where she worked as a ward clerk for many years. In retirement, she took great joy in caring for her grandchildren. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Thoroughly dedicated to her family, she enjoyed spending time with her loved ones. Everyone who was lucky enough to know Rita experienced her boundless kindness and generosity.
She is survived by her children, Thomas Matthew (Theresa) Gentle Jr., Mary Lee (Brian) Techlin and Anne Marie (Robert) Schooley; her grandchildren, Mark (Casey) Gentle Jr., Amanda (Gary Jr.) Gavord, Brian (Jennifer) Techlin Jr., Troy (Julie) Techlin, Nolan Schooley, Logan Schooley, Hannah Schooley, Thomas Gentle III, Cecilia Gentle, Samuel Gentle, and Luke Gentle; and great grandchildren, Mark Gentle III, Callie Gentle, Milo Gentle, Gary Gavord III, Emmalyn Techlin, Easton Techlin, Madison Techlin. In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Matthew Gentle; two sons, Daniel and Mark Gentle; her brothers, Alfred and Nick Norlock; one sister, Loretta Galbraith.
Funeral services will take place on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Officiating will be Seminarian Kevin Wojciechowski. The family will be present at the funeral home on Sunday to receive family and friends from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider donations to Good Samaritan Rescue Mission, Bay City, MI.