Mildred “Cris” Gentz

Mildred “Cris” Gentz, age 96, of Tecumseh, died Friday morning, April 4, 2025, at Cambrian Senior Living in Tecumseh. She was born January 30, 1929, in Franklin Township to Melbourne “Buddy” and Ruth (Betz) Smith. On January 20, 1950, she married Richard Gentz in Blissfield.  He preceded her in death on June 14, 1987. 

 
Cris was a member of the Tecumseh Church of the Nazarene where she taught Sunday School and served on its board. She taught for two years at the Standard School in Riga before serving at Onsted Community Schools, first as a teacher from 1959-1973, and finally as a principal from 1973 until her retirement in 1987. She enjoyed traveling, reading, scrapbooking, and playing cards. She served on the Zoning Board of Appeals for the City of Tecumseh, the Hands of Hope Board, was president of LSSM Auxiliary, and president of the condo association where she resided. She was a member of the MEA where she held offices at the local and district levels, and was elected secretary of the Lenawee County Principal Association. Cris was also a member of the Michigan and National Elementary Principal Association, Delta Kappa Gamma Teacher Society, Phi Delta Kappa Education Society, and was a former chaplain of the DAR. She earned the Professional Educator of the Year Award in 1986 and the 4H Clubs State of Michigan Outstanding Alumni Award.

Cris is survived by three sons, Roger (Anne) Gentz of Mendon, Mich., Raymond (Cindy) Gentz of Colon, Mich. and Royal (Lorie) Gentz of Colon; a daughter, Susan (John) Vredeveld of Canton, Mich.; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; and a brother, Gordon B. (Linnea) Smith of Fort Wayne, Ind.  In addition to her husband, Richard, she was preceded in death by her parents; two grandsons, Jason and Adam Gentz; and a brother, Richard Smith.

The family will receive friends for visitation at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Tecumseh on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 3-7 p.m. A funeral service will be held Thursday, April 10 at 11 a.m. at the Tecumseh Church of the Nazarene. An additional hour of visitation will be held prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Franklin Township Cemetery.  

Memorial contributions can be made to benefit the building fund at Tecumseh Church of the Nazarene or Careline Hospice. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at andersonfuneralservices.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Tecumseh.