Sept. 12, 1924-Nov. 16, 2022
Katie Barlocker Gentry passed away Nov. 16, 2022, at the age of 98. She was born Sept. 12, 1924, to Arthur J. Barlocker and Rosell Truman in Enterprise, Utah. She married Clinton Edgar Gentry on June 12, 1946, in the St. George Temple for time and all eternity.
Katie spent her younger years playing with siblings and neighbors in Enterprise. They played games like “run my sheep run” under the light poles. She worked on the family farm with her dad and siblings, mostly digging for potatoes. She started at a young age with a love for dancing and music, which continued throughout her life. She attended elementary school in Enterprise and then graduated from Enterprise High School in 1942.
She worked that summer in Salt Lake City at the Mayflower Café. It was here that she met her future husband Clint Gentry. She then attended junior college at the current Southern Utah University in Cedar City, graduating in business and music. She then attended BYU until returning to teach at Enterprise High School because World War II had created a shortage of teachers. After the war ended, she married Clint and went back to BYU to finish her schooling. Katie graduated with degrees in music and physical education. She taught school in Enterprise for eight years, then moved to St. George where she continued to teach at both West and East Elementary Schools until she retired after 35 years of teaching.
Family and friends were a large part of Katie’s life, and both she and Clint enjoyed making these relationships a priority. This desire led them to many fun and diverse events and locations, from tropical vacations and family holiday gatherings to many many athletic events as an avid supporter.
Katie was always a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She mostly served in music positions (her passion). During her early years, the family had frequent visits from the General Authorities of the church. One highlight was when President Spencer W. Kimball asked her to sing at Stake Conference. She said she would but only if he played for her. He did. Katie and Clint served a mission in the Utah Provo Mission, specifically in the St. George Temple Visitors Center and area historical sites.
Katie is survived by her daughter Rosalie (Doug) Sorenson; grandchildren Todd Sorenson, Barry (Des) Sorenson and Shelbi (Billy) Heath; six great-grandchildren Ashlynn, Hudson, and Kamdynn Sorenson and Kelton, Jaxon, and Tillie Heath; sister Vella Rose Smith and brother, Calvi n(Margaret) Barlocker and many nieces and nephews who loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents Arthur J. Barlocker and Rosell Truman Barlocker and siblings Bill Barlocker, Truman Barlocker, Marilla Terry and Nora Hall.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Nov. 21, at 11 a.m. at the Red Hills 3rd Ward Chapel, 200 West 500 North, St. George, Utah.
Family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to click here to view the funeral service online. Click on the button: Red Hills Chapel.
Family and friends may call Sunday, Nov. 20, from 6-8 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff St., St. George, Utah, and Monday, Nov. 21, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Red Hills Chapel. Interment will take place in the Enterprise Cemetery at approximately 3 p.m.
The family would like to thank the staff at Southgate Senior Living for their special and loving care given to Katie. Hailee and Sam from Atlas Hospice, thank you for the compassion and love shown to Katie, it is greatly appreciated.
Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Katie’s online guest book.