Geraldine "Gerri" Ann Dent, 80, of Traverse City passed away Tuesday, August 8, 2023.

Gerri was born on May 24, 1943 to the late John and Joann Magalski. She met her husband, William Frank Dent, at the Coral Gables dance club in Royal Oak, MI when they were both 22. Gerri and Bill were married about a year later on May 11, 1968 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Detroit, MI. Bill was the love of her life, and together, they raised five wonderful children.

Gerri had a creative and compassionate dedication to her family, and most importantly to her five children. She worked tirelessly to fill their childhoods with big family meals made from scratch, special homemade birthday cakes every year, handsewn Halloween costumes, fun craft projects, and countless trips to the family cottage on Lake Huron where so many beautiful memories were made. Gerri was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who loved angels, and shared many stories over the years of their guidance and protection in her life. Her kind and loving soul will be missed by all those who were blessed enough to know and love her.

Gerri is survived by her children, Deb Dent, Laurie (Eddie) Caner, Chris Dent, and Steven Dent; daughter-in-law Christiane Dent, grandchildren, Abbigale, Riley, Arabella, Lily, Calvin, Noah, Stella, Ada, Roscoe and Isaac, and many other loving family members and friends.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Bill of 49 wonderful years, her son Mike, her parents and two older brothers in infancy.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3pm on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 in the Gardens of Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A private graveside service was held at the Peninsula Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of one's choice. Kindly share thoughts and memories with her family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .