Early in the morning of June 25, 2015 in Bend Oregon Helen Ivy Minifie Combs, at age 97, went home to be with the Lord.
Helen was born April 26, 1918 in Ceballos, Cuba. She arrived in the USA on May 16, 1918 where she lived in Oregon with her parents Verna and William (Jack) Minifie and siblings John, Ruth ( Ward), George and Darrel until she was 13 years old when they moved to eastern Montana. She graduated from Custer County High School in 1937 and married the love of her life, William (Bill) T. Combs Aug 15, 1940. Shortly after Bill passed away March 15, 2002 Helen moved to Bend Oregon to be near her son Tom but always referred to Miles City as her real home where she and Bill had and still have many close friends and relatives. Helen was very active in the First Methodist Church and was seen as a second Mom and Grandmother to many children who grew up in Miles City and the church. She was known for her chocolate chip cookies and unbelievable patience with any child who came her way. Nothing pleased her more than time spent with her Grandchildren and everyone always felt her unconditional love and joy.
Helen is survived by her children Tom (Brenda) Combs of Bend Oregon, Bill (Trisha) Combs of Sunnyside Washington, Linda Ebersole of Montgomery Minnesota and John (Bobbi) Combs of Missoula, Montana, Grandchildren, Craig Combs, Daryl Combs, Saundra Combs, William (Billy) Combs, Kimberly Hardy, Melissa Allen, Jessica Brooks, Kent Ebersole, Nicole Goecke, Mark Ebersole, Amanda Combs, Lindsey Combs, Elena Combs, 16 Great- Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews that all love her dearly and will miss her forever.
Visitation will be held on July 7, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the First Methodist Church in Miles City. Funeral services will be held July 7, 2015 at the First Methodist Church in Miles City. Interment will be held at the Custer County Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at The Parlor. Everyone is welcome to attend. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church in Miles City, Montana. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Visitation
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 7, 2015
First United Methodist Church
Miles City, MT
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 7, 2015
First United Methodist Church
Miles City, MT
Interment
following funeral service
Tuesday July 7, 2015
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Visitation
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 7, 2015
First United Methodist Church
Miles City, MT
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 7, 2015
First United Methodist Church
Miles City, MT
Interment
following funeral service
Tuesday July 7, 2015
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT
Share
Lynn Howard says
I have the fondest memories Aunt Helen to numerous to recall them all. The dinners during holidays, the huge Christmas trees. (at my young age they seemed enormous.) Playing in the wading pool across the street then running to Aunt Helen’s house to dry off and have a snack & and a cool drink, and off we would go again.
Denise and Jay Harvey says
An angel among us now reunited with her dear Bill!
May God bless you all with cherished memories!
Gwen Gamrath Gunther says
The original “mini-Auntie”, sorry Aunt Marnee 🙂 It was every child in the family’s goal to grow taller than Aunt Helen, which didn’t take very long. I always loved when we would get to go to her house in the summer. As Lynn said, a wading pool across the street and a delicious treat when we were done and always, always, a loving hug. So sad to know you’re gone, but have to smile thinking that you are back where you belong, with Uncle Bill.
Jay and Deb Terrett says
Sending warm thoughts and prayers to the Combs Family. Helen was such a delightful lady. Always so warm and loving to all who knew her. May your many memories comfort you in the days ahead. God bless you.
Verna Sansom says
I will truly miss my Aunt Helen and our chats by phone every couple of weeks or so. When I was in the area of Bend, Oregon, we would take her to lunch and visit. As my Mom’s younger sister, my Aunt Helen was very special to me and such an inspiration. She was an amazing woman with so much compassion for everyone. I know she is delighted to be reunited with Uncle Bill. Love and prayers for my cousins as they say “Bye For Now” until the time is right to be together again in God’s Kingdom.
Marnee Willson-Broyles says
Gwen is absolutely right, she was the original Mini-Auntie, and the best. I was fortunate enough to be born on her birthday, which always made me feel extra special and just a little smug 🙂 to have that in common with her. She was such a wonderfully warm and caring woman, and I have many, many fond memories of her. She always made you feel so loved. My love and condolences to all my cousins and their families.
Patti (Green) Ireland says
Our condolences to the Combs family on your loss. I pray that the Lord will wrap you in His loving arms and give you peace.
Patti Green Ireland
Nanci Sloan says
So sorry to learn of Helen’s passing. She was always kind and gracious and so fond and caring of her family.. Mt best to all the Combs for your loss of a wonderful woman.
Irene Sloan Family says
Fondly remembering Helen, a delightful lady with a joyful, soaring spirit. The Combs Family is in our thought and prayers.
Shirley and Bob Schottelkorb says
We treasure the memories of happy times with Helen and Bill when they would visit Missoula. We’re blessed to remember both of them as part of our family too.
Sheri Willson says
Aunt Helen was a blessing to all that knew her!! She is where she has want to be with the Lord and Uncle Bill!
Doug Allan says
Sorry about you mom guys but it sounds like her life was well lived and that calls for celebration in my book. I remember when I stayed at your folks house for Tom’s wedding and there was a warm feeling of home and stability. The example there also always made me think you were lucky when I watched the work ethic that defined you in school. All the best to your families.
Janice Goss says
I was one of the numerous children who thought of Mrs. Combs as my “second Mom”. She was always so nice and patient and thought of fun things for Linda and me to do. I remember going to the Park with Linda and “Mike” (the dog), with little Johnny tagging along, swimming in the Park’s wading pool in the summer, and the many other good times I always had at the Combs’ house. It was such a warm and loving home, and I have many fond memories of the entire family.
Susan Ochsner Caddell says
How could one petite lil’ lady have such enormous capacity to love so many of us as our second Mother!! Next to my Mom & Dad, Bill and Helen were the most influential people during my childhood years! Their home on Strevell was a “safe haven” filled with joy, humor, wonderful food, great play room in the basement, quick access to the magic of Wibaux park, and always a hug & unconditional love! As a “country kid” It is where I was to walk to from Lincoln school in case of an “emergency”, where I watched my first TV cartoons, where John & I dressed in our Halloween costumes to go to the parade and then go trick or treating! My earliest memories of 4th of July celebrations were spending the day with the Combs’ at our ranch. I am so grateful to have shared in a part of your extended family and often marvel at the enduring friendship our parents had throughout their entire lives!
Bill, Tom, Linda, John and famililies….my sincere sympathy.