Patricia Elizabeth Gentala

Patricia (Patty) Elizabeth Gentala, 79, entered the gates of heaven to be with her Savior on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Born in Lewiston Maine on May 3rd, 1947, to Ashley B. Pike and Margaret Pike, Patty was the oldest of seven siblings: Ashley Pike, Susan Burwick, Shirley Landmesser, Bruce Pike, Janna Pike, and Jean Michael. Patty married Robert (Bob) Gentala, the love of her life, on September 7th, 1968. After attending Boston Children’s Hospital in Massachusetts and completing her LPN, Patty and Bob moved to Tucson, Arizona, in 1969.

During the 56 years they lived in Tucson, Patty and Bob were actively involved in their Church Communities and with numerous local Ministries, including years of dedicated service at The House of Samuel, a transition-home ministry, Grace Chapel, Christian Faith Center, Casas Adobes Baptist, and Pantano Christian Church.

Patty’s strong desire to share the love of Jesus with those around her led her and Bob to foster children, whom she loved as her own. Her love of education led her to homeschool her children for 13 years, lead a homeschool co-op, and eventually to become a reading specialist. She also served on the Board of Desert Christian Schools.

Between 1984 and 1994, Patty owned and operated Home School Supplies, the premiere curriculum and homeschool store in the region, and throughout her years, she actively advocated for both educational and religious freedoms. While it is impossible to list all of Patty’s contributions to the welfare of her city, state, and country, examples of her advocacy included running the political campaign in Arizona for Allen Keys, Coordinating the National Day of Prayer, and even litigating against the city government in a landmark case to ensure equal treatment for religious groups.

Patty and Bob believed strongly in the importance of marriage, and they assisted numerous couples through lay counseling, mentorship, small groups, and most importantly, through the example of the love and commitment that they showed each other.

In 2023, Patty and Bob moved to Gilbert, Arizona, to be close to their son, Peter and his family, as Patty battled Alzheimer's. During their time in Gilbert, Bob was a dedicated caregiver, showing the same love, patience, and devotion that he had through their almost 58 years of marriage. Even as her Alzheimer’s set in, Patty remained joyful to the last, continuing to laugh and smile even as words began to fail her. Her presence was a gift to those around her, and her memories will continue to be a testament to her love and faith.

Loved by all, Patty is survived by her husband, Bob, and her three sons, Peter Andrew Gentala, David Robert Gentala, and Luke Ashley Gentala, and is preceded by her parents and daughter, Christine Joyce Gentala. Patty is also survived by her beloved daughters-in-law, Allison Canion Gentala, Amber Scott Gentala, and Desiree Gamage Gentala. Patty and Bob have 11 grandchildren, Nathan Gentala, Brennan Gentala, Abigail Gentala, Wesley Gentala, Seth Gentala, Ransom Gentala, Timothy Gentala, Asher Gentala, Samuel Gentala, Stacia Gentala, and Madelyn Gentala.Patty is also survived by her three foster children, Julie (Edna) Bead, Dorcas Altaha, and Travis Duryea.

If you would like to honor Patty, the family appreciates your consideration of contributions to the Christian ministry Fellowship Square in honor of the wonderful, loving caregivers who were so kind to her in the final season of her life.