Matter of Estate of Gentry

Petitioner Lisa Gentry appeals from a decree admitting to probate the will of her deceased father, Darrell Gentry, after having unsuccessfully challenged the will in circuit court. There are two principal issues on appeal: (1) was the testator mentally competent to make a will and (2) was the will a product of undue influence.

The essential facts are as follows:

Testator was an ex-serviceman with a history of frequent hospitalization for mental illness commencing in 1958. At the time of the execution of the will on October 2, 1969, as well as at the time of his death some six years later, the…