Ardys (Harken) (Brooks) Gentry

Ardys (Harken) (Brooks) Gentry, 93, of Denton, Texas, passed away on March 25, 2022, after a short illness. Ardys was born May 9, 1928, on a farm in the area of Norton’s Corner, Butler County, Iowa, between Shell Rock and New Hartford, to I.U. and Henrietta Harken. She was preceded in death by her parents, her ten brothers and sisters, and her two husbands, William D. Brooks in 1991, and Richard Gentry in 2017. She is survived by her five children: Susan Brooks of Caddo Mills, Texas; Rebecca Brooks of Cleburne, Texas; Beverly Clow (Jeff) of Waverly, Iowa, Annette Crooks (Paul) of Denton, Texas, and Dan Brooks of Lake Mary, Florida, and 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. She had been a resident of Good Samaritan Lake Forest Village in Denton since 2015.

Ardys grew up in rural Shell Rock, Iowa, and graduated from high school in 1946. She worked briefly at the Post Office and as a teacher.

Now, for a sweet story. Ardys was a senior in high school when the WWII vets returned. These soldiers were heroes in their communities, and one of guys returning to Shell Rock was Bill Brooks. He first noticed Ardys as she was singing at a local event. He somehow introduced himself and asked her for a date. As she was only 17 at the time, she went to her parents for permission. They responded with, “Absolutely not! Bill was ten years older than Ardys, for Pete’s sake. So, Bill decided to be patient – and strategic. He sent flowers, called her, and charmed Ardys’ mom, Henrietta. In May of 1946, Ardys turned 18 and decided she no longer needed her parents’ permission, and she and Bill went on their first date.

Their first date was a humdinger! Remember, it was 1946. A typical date might have been going to a local dance hall, or out for a hamburger, coke and ice cream. But Bill’s idea of a first date was not typical. He hired a pilot friend and took Ardys on her first plane ride, in an open cockpit. She said later that he knew she’d be scared and would snuggle up next to him. It was on that date that he told her he would marry her. After all, they were already in love!

They married in February 1947, and their first child, Susie, was born later that year, followed by Rebecca in 1949, Bev in 1952, Annette in 1958, and Dan in 1960. Ardys was a busy mom for part of one decade and for three full decades thereafter! The family settled in Waverly, Iowa, where Ardys and Bill owned and operated Carver’s Restaurant in the late 60’s and early 70’s. They moved to Charles City, Iowa in 1975 and owned and operated Brooks Restaurant until the late 1980s. Ardys and Bill spent several winters in Clermont, Florida. They returned to Iowa when Bill became ill, and he passed away in 1991.

Ardys’ natural creativity and outgoing personality were enormous assets in the family restaurants she and Bill managed. She greeted the public, managed the staff and front register, created delicious menu items, and coordinated the catering and events facets of the restaurants.

Ardys was an artist in every sense. She was a talented pianist and vocalist, wrote poetry, created beautiful flower gardens, decorated her home in a vivid way, dressed in colorful clothing, and learned to paint using both watercolors and acrylics. Her artistry extended to her skills as a cook. She loved to try new recipes or concoct a new version of an old favorite.

Ardys married Dick Gentry in Charles City, Iowa in 1993. They spent 24 happy years together, living in Iowa, Florida and finally in Denton, Texas. Ardys was especially fond of the years they spent in Tavares, Florida, where they golfed, took all kinds of classes (like Spanish and bocce ball), and where Ardys was involved with PEO and The Red Hat Society. The description of Ardys from the Red Hat group she led was: “Ardys is our Queen Mother, fearless and fashion-savvy, and you better listen when she’s talking!”. Ardys & Dick opened their home for many Spring Break visits with their families and created happy memories for their children and their families. Ardys’ grandchildren have fond memories of picking grapefruit in the backyard, catching lizards, and playing in the Florida-themed kids’ room. Ardys’ creative side made staying with “Grammy” extra special and memorable!

Ardys and Dick relocated to Denton, Texas in 2005 to be closer to family. They became active with various classes and events at the senior center and volunteered with a local soup kitchen. These years were filled with attending her granddaughters’ volleyball and basketball games, Sunday brunches, holiday dinners, birthday celebrations, shopping trips to “Penney’s”, and other happy moments shared with family from near and far. They moved to Lake Forest Village in 2015, where they created another and new set of friends. Ardys lost her beloved Dick in 2017. They had a true romance and a wonderful marriage.

Ardys always drew people to her with her spunky, optimistic personality. Her grandchildren referred to her as “Foxy” because she was unfiltered, stylish, and never lost her sharp sense of humor and wit. She was ready to converse about any topic with anyone! She was especially fond of political discussion and remained up to date on current events and issues. If she had something to say, she’d demand to be given “The Talking Stick.” This was her way of controlling the chaos of family gatherings!

In lieu of flowers, Ardys wished for donations in her name to Planned Parenthood, or the Democratic candidate of your choice, especially in Florida, Iowa, and Texas. She remained a dedicated Democrat, loyal liberal, fabulous feminist, and plucky patriot her entire life!

Rest well, Little Mamacita. We love you.

All are invited to celebrate her life at Ardys’ Garden Party (memorial and refreshments):

April 2, 1 p.m., Good Samaritan Lake Forest Village, 3901 Montecito Drive, Denton, TX

Another memorial TBD in May, Lowell Cemetery, rural Clarksville, IA.