Mary Ruth Sisk Combs, 87, of Myrtle, Missouri, entered her Heavenly home on Monday, July 13, 2026.
Mary was born on July 26, 1938, in Myrtle, Missouri, to Rev. Joseph and Meda Lorine Cantrell Sisk. On September 29, 1962, she married Charles Thomas Combs. Together they built a wonderful life, sharing many happy years until his passing.
Mary was a faithful member of Cotton Creek Free Will Baptist Church and, above all else, was a child of God. Her faith was the foundation of her life, carrying her through every season with strength, hope, and unwavering trust in the Lord. She lived her faith daily through her service to others, her love for her family, and the example she set for those around her.
Mary was an exceptionally talented seamstress. She worked for approximately twelve and a half years at the sewing factory in Thayer, Missouri, where her craftsmanship was admired by many. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, embroidery, and cross-stitch, making clothing for her children and creating countless handmade gifts that will be treasured by her family for generations.
Later in life, Mary continued her calling of serving others by working as a caregiver for Allen Supported Living until she was 80 years old. She was a very hard worker who never shied away from caring for others. Throughout her life, she lovingly cared for her mother, faithfully cared for her bedridden husband twenty-four hours a day for ten years, and helped raise two of her grandchildren. Through every challenge she faced, Mary remained steadfast in her faith, worked tirelessly, and never allowed life’s hardships to diminish her joyful spirit.
Mary never met a stranger. She had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor that kept those around her laughing. She had a special gift for making everyone she came in contact with feel like part of her family, especially the caregivers she grew to love at Shepherd’s View Assisted Living. Her kindness, warmth, and genuine love for people will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Her greatest joy was her family. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, love, and strength.
She is survived by her children, Wayne Combs and Jackie of Couch, Missouri, and Athena Neptune and Dr. James Neptune of Springfield, Missouri; five grandchildren: Tonya Willard (Brandon) of Couch, Missouri, Adam Neptune (Hannah) of Littleton, Colorado, Tara McIntire (Kody) of Alton, Missouri, Sarah Neptune (Sam) of Ozark, Missouri, and Charli Roberts (Jake) of West Plains, Missouri; seven great-grandchildren: Alee Willard, Brayden Willard, Jordyn Willard, Tripp McIntire, Blakely Roberts, Ada Roberts, and Jack McIntire; sisters-in-laws Charlotte Veasman of Brinktown, Missouri, Rosemary Rowden of Camdenton, Missouri, and Sue Sisk of Myrtle, Missouri; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Thomas Combs; her parents, Rev. Joseph and Meda Sisk; her sister, Una Mae Estes; her brother, Henry Sisk; an infant brother; and sister-in-law Naomi Combs.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Carter Funeral Home with Rev. Darrell Mitchell and Rev. Russell Hensley officiating. Burial will follow at Myrtle Cemetery in Myrtle, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers please send memorials to the
Myrtle Cemetery
Rt1 Box 1121
Thayer, M0, 65791
or they can be left with the funeral home.
A Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri.
Burial will be at the Myrtle Cemetery of Myrtle, Missouri following the funeral.
Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Mo.
July 14, 2026 @ 9:51 am
Heaven got a little more crowded. I’m so grateful for all the memories we’ve made with Mary Ruth. She was a blessing to us! Praying for you all.
July 15, 2026 @ 10:52 am
Mary Ruth was a jewel. Her heart for service and ability to see the good was, and still is, inspiring to me.
She an my mom were such close friends and visited on the phone every day until my mom passed. I know my mom was glad to see her when she arrived. Our loss is heaven gain as Mary Ruth praises the Lord on two perfect legs.
I give thanks to Jesus that He allowed me the blessing of knowing her.
July 15, 2026 @ 2:27 pm
What an inspirational, joyous addition Mary was to our extended Neptune family. May all the smiles and laughter she brought to this earth give comfort to those who knew and loved her. 💜
July 16, 2026 @ 9:19 am
Mary Ruth was such a special lady. I don’t think I ever saw her without a smile. She was a joy to work with and a blessing to cook for at SV. Her faith in Christ was evident in the way she lived, loved, and cared for others.
While I will miss her deeply, I am so thankful to know that Heaven is her home. I have no doubt that I will see her again one day. She showed so much love, kindness, loyalty, and the love of the Lord to everyone around her. She truly reflected the love of Jesus.
Praying for her family during this difficult time, asking God to surround them with His peace, comfort, and strength in the days ahead.
July 16, 2026 @ 10:08 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mary Ruth. Fond memories as a classmate and graduating class of 1956. She obviously never stopped planning to live life-she was trying to get the remaining classmates together. Sadly that did not materialize before her passing.