Esther Ellen "Ellie" Gentosi

Esther Ellen Gentosi, known affectionately as Ellie, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, at the age of 95, surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 26, 1930, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Harold and Murl (Lawrence) Coy, she was an only child who attended East High School. Full of laughter and love, Ellie touched many lives through her warmth, stories, and unwavering presence for those who needed her.

She was married for 25 years to Ted Gentosi, and together they raised three children: Debi, Rick, and Teddy. Ellie devoted herself first as a stay-at-home mother and later worked for several optical companies, retiring from Soderberg. She found joy in working on cars, baking with her grandchildren, tending her yard, fishing, and camping at her favorite spot near Lake Rathbun. In her younger years she loved riding motorcycles and kept her motorcycle license active until age 87, ever hopeful for another chance to ride.

Ellie will be remembered for her sharp sense of humor, her brutal honesty, and her fierce, protective love for her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Murl Coy, her ex-husband Ted Gentosi, and her great-grandson William Webb. She is survived by her children Debi (Bill Sr.) Roberts, Rick (Ronda) Gentosi, and Teddy (Kim) Gentosi; seven grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.