Helen Combs

Helen Juanita Combs, age 80 of Independence, Kansas died Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at the Mercy Hospital in Independence, Kansas. Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 29, 2011 at the Grace Memorial United Methodist Church with the Reverend Willie Jones officiating. Burial will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery under the direction of the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. Visitation hours will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, August 28, 2011 with the family receiving friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. The family has suggested memorials to the Grace Memorial United Methodist Church and contributions may be left at the Potts Chapel in independence, Kansas. Helen Juanita Combs was born November 11, 1930 in Independence, Kansas to William Owen and Elizabeth Alcorn Combs. She grew up in Independence, Kansas and attended the Independence School System. Helen worked as a Buyer for SinclairARCO Petroleum Company retiring after 39 years. Helen was the first woman buyer for ARCO, she also was the buyer for ARCO for the pipe for the Alaskan Pipe Line. Helen was a member of the 55 and Better Club at Independence Community College and an unofficial ambassador of ICC and the GMUMC. Helen loved animals and supported AWOL she also cared for and mentored many children. Survivors include a niece Dian Combs of Fort Scott, Kansas, nephew Thomas Combs of Berne, New York, sisterinlaw Ida Lou Combs of Clearwater, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her parents William Elizabeth Combs, a brother Stanley Combs, foster sister Olive Pohl and her beloved dog Lucky of 17 years.