Margaret (Berntson) Gentle

Margaret Berntson Gentle, 82, passed away in her home on October 31, 2024. She was born June 24, 1942, in San Diego, California, to Mel and Louise Berntson.

She grew up with her parents and siblings in Utah and Idaho. She loved horses and fondly recalled sneaking into the pasture next door to ride her neighbor’s horse as often as possible.

She married the love of her life, Jay Gentle, on November 26, 1958, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They built an adorable family of 4 with their 2 sons, Danny Gentle and Vic Gentle. Margaret was a dedicated mother and spent most of her time as a housewife raising her sons, who she adored. She took great pride watching her boys play sports and grow into young men.

She loved the outdoors and spent hours camping, riding horses, and exploring the Idaho mountains with her family. Margaret and Jay moved to Alaska for a few years before returning to live the rest of their lives in Idaho Falls.

Margaret loved cooking her famous homemade bread and chili for her kids and grandkids. She took joy and pride in hosting Thanksgiving and sharing holidays with her family.

Margaret loved gardening and grew beautiful tomatoes that she was proud to share with loved ones. She loved animals, especially dogs, horses, and cats. She also loved to read and spent much of her time immersing herself in romantic western novels.

Margaret spent countless hours playing games with her grandchildren. Her favorite game was jacks. She loved to sing while her husband, Jay, as he drove her along mountain trails in their beloved Jeep for hours.

Margaret also enjoyed road trips with Jay to Mesquite, Nevada. She loved playing the coin machines and escaping the long Idaho winters.

She was a devoted wife to her husband, Jay, for 60 years until he passed away in 2018.

Margaret is survived by Jay Danny (Teresa) Gentle, and her siblings, Bruce (Lydia) Berntson, Carol (Ray) Spaulding, Sandra Banks, and Gayle High, and her 5 grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her son, Victor (Sheila) Gentle, and her husband, Jay David Gentle.

A memorial gathering will be held from 1-2 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue.