Audrey 'Marilyn' Kent
courtesy photo
Audrey Kent
ST. IGNATIUS — Audrey “Marilyn” Poole Kent, known by her middle name, went to be with her Lord on Dec. 20, 2018, at the age of 91. She was a longtime resident of Gering, Nebraska.
Marilyn was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Leona Adeline Brown Poole and Virgil Kenneth Poole on Dec. 14, 1927. While she was still young, they moved to Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and later lived with her grandparents. Marilyn graduated from ScottsbluffHigh School and worked at a Scottsbluff bank. She later worked at LeRoy’s Jewelers and learned the skill of engraving, earning many awards for her prowess. She also worked as a Mary Kay consultant while being a stay-at-home mom.
Marilyn married Perry Virgil Kent in August of 1952. They lived in Scottsbluff the first few years of marriage and then bought their home in Gering where she resided until a couple of years after Virgil’s passing. She moved to Montana to be closer to one of her sons as she was developing dementia. She lived in assisted living at Closer to Home in St. Ignatius until her passing.
Marilyn is survived by her sons, Ned (Maxine) of Montana, Jamie (Lisa) of New York and by cousins, nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Marilyn and her husband Virgil were very active in several churches in the North Platte River Valley over the years. Marilyn enjoyed helping with the youth when her boys were young. She started “Monday Club,” a youth Bible school, in her home for the neighborhood youth. Marilyn also enjoyed entertaining in her home. They opened their home to missionaries and to those needing help and a place to stay. She actively supported Platte Valley Bible College, now Summit Christian College of Gering, helpingwith the mailing and volunteering wherever needed.
Marilyn’s sunny disposition, engaging smile and practical jokes were uplifting and a draw to those around her, especially in the last years of her life at assisted living. She was a joy to staff and residents alike. Marilyn has left a hole in our hearts that cannot be filled. We will miss her smile.
Services will be held in Saint Ignatius this winter and in Gering, Nebraska, this spring.
