John Gentry

Richfield - Rhett John Gentry,  age 67, of Richfield, Utah, passed away November 6, 2024, at his home in Richfield. 

John was born in Richfield, May 17, 1957, to Richard Mack and Rhea Evelyn Jensen Gentry. He married Suzanne Louise Rasmussen on July 20, 1984 in Richfield, Utah.

John was born and raised in Richfield as the 5th of 9 children in a big, loving family. He was known for his playful spirit, often bringing joy to the family with his pranks and jokes. At the center of John's life was his own family, whom he raised with the same close-knit community he had grown up in. He was more than just a father and husband; he became the cherished “Papa John” to his grandchildren. John loved nothing more than spending time with them, sharing his passions and skills, whether it was his love of chess—patiently teaching his grandchildren the game—or his love of gardening, growing tomatoes for his “world-famous” spicy salsa. As a huge Utah Jazz fan, he enjoyed watching every game.

Throughout his life, John enjoyed collecting coins and was always eager to gift silver dollars to the kids. His love of music brought warmth to his home, and he was known for his storytelling, often reminiscing about his favorite memories and best adventures with family and friends. Known for always having a sweet treat tucked in his shirt pocket, he delighted in pulling out a handful of M&Ms to share with his grandchildren. His life was filled with simple joys, from family camping trips and fishing outings, to drives around town. Above all, his family meant everything to him, and he was always there, supporting and loving them unconditionally.

John is survived by his wife, Suzanne of Richfield; children: Alyssa (Allen) Gentry of Sandy; Sabrina (Raymond) Ellis of St. George; Tyler (Robin) Gentry of Salina; and Ryan (Shayleena) Gentry of Provo; 8 grandchildren: Johanna, Karren, Aksel, Alistar, Magnus, Forrest, IvyJune, and Zariah; siblings: Sandi Sturgis of Snohomish, Washington, Susan Gentry of Kaysville, Maxine (Bob) Long of Morgan, Richard (Leanne) Gentry of Richfield, Mary Adams of Monroe, Margaret (Dal) Hawks of Saratoga Springs, Jimmy Gentry of Richfield.

He is preceded in death by his parents Mack and Rhea Gentry, daughter Katrina Gentry, brother Michael “Mickey” Gentry, brother-in-law Tom Sturgis, and nephew Ricky Gentry.

Funeral services will be Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 12 Noon, in the Springer Turner Funeral Home Chapel, 260 North 400 West in Richfield, where friends may call for viewing Saturday morning 10:00 am to 11:30 am prior to services. 

Livestreaming of services can we found at www.springerturner.com under John’s obituary about 15 minutes prior to starting time.

Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina.