Vivian M. Combs, 93, formerly of rural Herman, Illinois passed away peacefully at 8:22 pm Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at the Knox County Nursing Home with her children by her side.
She was born on August 6, 1931, in the family home in Knox Township, Illinois the daughter of John Marion and Bertha Lucille (Morris) Roberts. Vivian married the love of her life, Lester Oliver Combs on September 16, 1946, at the Knox County Courthouse. Together they had eight children, Darlene, Rodney, Ronda, Rick, Jody, Mary, Henry and Audra.
Vivian was blessed to be able to stay at home to be a dedicated wife to Lester and attentive mother to her children. Her family was her pride and joy. She enjoyed shopping with her daughters and hunting with her husband and sons and attending many events that her children and grandchildren were part of. Vivian always showed hospitality, making everyone feel welcome in her home which she kept immaculate. Vivian was a caregiver at heart, helping to care for several family members and others whenever and wherever she could. She was at her best when taking care of someone else.
She was known as one of the best cooks and bakers around and had taught her daughters how to cook a full course meal by the time they were twelve years old. She prepared many delicious meals for all of her family and extended family for any and all occasions. She was known for her homemade pies and desserts and her homemade ice cream was requested often as well as her French toast and homemade syrup. It was an annual tradition of making homemade candies, boxing up a variety of candies, and gift wrapping them as Christmas gifts and giving to many individuals and businesses. Vivian had a love for gardening, tending to her yard and her flowers.
Vivian is survived by her children, Darlene (Ron) McGarry of Galesburg, Rodney (Sue) Combs of Galesburg, Ronda (Mike) Brooks of rural Gilson, Illinois, Rick (Nava) Combs of rural Avon, Illinois, Mary (Kenny) Kinnan of rural Viola, Illinois, and Henry (Dawn) of Abingdon; her son-in-law, Donald “Mac” McDougall, Jr. of Pekin; nineteen grandchildren, thirty-one great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren, step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews as well as a foreign exchange grandchild.
After nearly 71 years of marriage, Lester preceded her in death on May 27, 2017. She is also preceded in death by her two daughters, Audra at birth October 4, 1971, Jody McDougall on October 21, 2016, three brothers, George, Raymond and Ivan Roberts and three great grandchildren.
Visitation will be 10:00-11:00 am, Monday, January 13, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel. Services will follow at 11:00 am at the chapel with Chaplain Jordan Knight officiating. She will be buried next to Lester in West Midway Cemetery in London Mills. Memorials may be made to Abingdon-Avon Trap Shoot Team or the Abingdon Community Festival Association. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com.
