Ima Gene Furrey: born December 30, 1940, passed away on January 9, 2024 in Flagstaff, Arizona. Gene was the third child of 4 children born of Fred and Nevada Black.
Gene wore many hats: wife, sister,  mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, great aunt, great great aunt, stepmother, step grandmother, step aunt. She repeatedly spoke of being so lucky to have the best and closest family one could ever have. Family meant everything to Gene and the gatherings were always a blast. Whether it was joking with each other, wall to wall sleeping bags, singing & guitars playing, poker games, lots of cooking, birthday gatherings with her sisters and nieces, kids running and playing, or just chattering around a table,  all gave smiles galore and cherished by her. Not only a tight-knit family, she was also a genuine friend of many.  As one friend said, "Sweet Gene, dearest heart I have ever been graced knowing in my life (Tina)", which we all share in this statement.
Gene lived much of her life in the Phoenix area before heading north to Flagstaff,  AZ.  She was devoted to, and very successful in the corporate world spending many years in Quality Assurance at WL Gore and meeting life long friends along the way.  After retiring with Gore she and Bill landed in Camp Verde where she jumped on board with a new company IVL, and became Human Resource Rep, again making numerous friends with younger ones adopting her as 'grandma'. Gene finally retired in 2014 and spent the rest of her time with her kids and grandkids back in Flagstaff.
She was proceeded in death by her parents Fred and Nevada,  husband William Furrey (love of her life), sister Freddie McDaris, and brother Perry Black. Gene is survived by: Sharrie and Glenn Jerdee (sister and brother in law), Norm Furrey (son) Becky Palmer (daughter), William Furrey II (son) Michael Furrey (step son): 5 grandchildren (Eric,  Scott,  Paul,  Jason,  Tara) 12 great grandchildren, (also step grandchildren and great grandchildren)  many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gene will be missed dearly by all. Be free Gene, and dance with the love of your life again.

Services will be with family only. If you wish,  donations may be made in memory of Ima 'Gene' Furrey to a Dementia Charity Foundation of your choice.