Barbara Lou (Swanner) Gentle

Barbara Lou Gentle, 80, of Idaho Falls, passed away June 16, 2021, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Barbara was born January 8, 1941, in Driggs, Idaho, to Sterling Cole and Dorothy Stewart Swanner. The family, which included sister, Marla, moved to Rigby a few months later. Barbara fought and conquered Polio as a young child, bravely enduring months away from home while she was a patient at the Elks Children’s Hospital in Boise. She later went on to complete her education through the Rigby school system.

Barbara enjoyed camping with her parents and siblings. She developed a love for animals, especially dogs, cats and horses, horseback riding being one of her favorite activities in her younger years.

On June 20,1958, she married her husband of 63 years, Victor R. Gentle. They were blessed with three children: Steven, Tonya, and Melissa “Missy.” Barbara was employed by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office as a dispatcher for many years.

In her leisure time, she was an avid card player, belonging to the Pinochle club, “The Chattering Dozen” for 40 years. She was also passionate about decorating her renovated Victorian house and tending to her beautiful flower gardens, which captured the attention and compliments of many passersby while planting some severe garden envy within the hearts of her sisters.

Upon retiring, she and Vic enjoyed their trips to Fort Hall Casino where Barbara loved to gamble.

Barbara was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Rigby and had a fervent love for God and a strong desire for justice in the world. She developed many friendships during her life, one of special note being Naomi Wilson. Barbara shared a very special bond with her grandson, Jesse, and treasured the time she spent with him. Her son-in-law, Rick Wade, has been a tremendous source of help and support to both Barbara and Vic, and is a highly valued member of the family. Vic was a devoted husband to the end, never leaving Barbara’s side. He was her rock.

Barbara is also survived by her sisters, Marla Ward, Carolyn Curran, Jeri Wilkinson, and Janice (Jose) Gonzalez, all of Idaho Falls; and brother, Thomas (Janine) Neiwirth of Twin Falls, ID; and her precious cat, Annie.

We miss you deeply, Barb, but we take comfort in the hope that we will all be together again, until that day, rest in peace.