Loretta Ruth Combs was born the daughter of Elisha “Tood” Mills and Myrtle Martin Mills on April 26, 1935 in Thayer, Missouri and departed this life July 4, 2011 at her home near Thayer, Missouri at the age of 76 years.
She was united in marriage April 19, 1952 at Salem, Arkansas to Lawrence Combs, who preceded her in death September 23, 2010.
She is survived by two daughters, Diana Hoaglan and husband, Duane of Collierville, Tennessee and Deniece Crenshaw and husband, Mark of Thayer, Missouri; one son, Bill Combs and wife, Mary of Thayer, Missouri; five grandchildren, Thomas Burr and wife, Tonia of St. Francisville, Louisiana, Tanya Burr of McGehee, Arkansas, Katie Poole and husband, Adam of Olive Branch, Mississippi, Josh Hoaglan of Memphis, Tennessee and Alyssa Dahlke and husband, Ezekiel of Derby, Kansas; six great grandchildren, Dylan, Jaxon, Richard, Alexa, Anna Claire and Emmalyn and was looking forward to the arrival of the seventh; one sister, Frances Sandifer of Thayer, Missouri; other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Tood and Myrtle Mills and her husband, Lawrence Combs.
Loretta was a seamtress and employed by Puritan Fashions in Thayer for many years.
She enjoyed her flower garden but most of all loved her family. She treasured the time with her children and grandchildren, always looking forward to their visits and phone calls. Each one was so special in her life and truly made her life complete.
Loretta was of the Free Will Baptist faith, a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services will be Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 2:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel at Thayer with Brother David Honeycutt officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 6th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. of Thayer.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in her memory be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Cancer Research Hospital.