Rowena Sue Combs

Tuesday February 6, 2024; Rowena Combs passed peacefully at age 87. Rowena was born December 13, 1936, in Foster Oklahoma to Ralph and Irene Shirley. She graduated from Elmore City High School in 1955. Rowena moved to Oklahoma City for work, where she met the love of her life Jack Combs. The two were married in November after meeting that same year in June. The couple had 2 children Ricky and Penny. They moved to Moore in 1964 where they raised their children and lived until Jack’s death in 2003.

Rowena worked for a Title and Trust company and the Oklahoma City Stockyards until 1957 when she quit to start a family. In 1967 she continued her education at the University of Oklahoma and Central State College in Business Administration and Food Service Management. Rowena went to work for Moore Public Schools Child Nutrition program in August 1967; as her work would coordinate with the kids’ school schedule. She worked in the Child Nutrition program until October 1990 when she retired as the food service director due to health issues.

During Rowena’s tenure with Moore Public schools, she was heavily involved with the Oklahoma School Food Service Association. Rowena was elected to the OSFSA board and held several officer positions including Secretary, President Elect, and President. She also served as the Editor of the state monthly publication “The Oklahoma Surrey” to all the state members for several years. The OSFSA needed entertainment for different events and Rowena and 3 coworkers formed the “Four from Moore” singing quartet. They sang and Rowena also played piano for many occasions including the National Convention in Washington DC.

Rowena was an avid bowler and gardener; both were family activities. She and Jack also loved to travel to Las Vegas 3- 4 times per year to gamble, a favorite activity of hers. They both enjoyed going camping in their RV. She loved her family deeply and was the center of holiday planning and cooking for many years until she was not physically able.

Rowena was preceded in death by her husband Jack, her son Ricky Combs, her granddaughter Ali Combs, her parents Ralph and Irene Shirley, and her sister Madge Hale. Rowena is survived by her daughter Penny Humphrey and husband Nick, grandchildren Keith and Whitney Henry, Nicholas and Ashley Humphrey all of Edmond and Kyla and Ross Durkee of Houston. Her daughter-in-law Susan Combs, grandchildren Christina Combs and Nathan Combs of Moore. Great grandchildren Everett and Piper Henry and Blair Humphrey of Edmond; Allie, Abigail, Isaac Combs, Landon and Trenton Davis, Alayna Williams all of Moore.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday February 9, 2024, 1:00 pm at Moore Funeral and Cremation; 400 SE 19th Street, Moore, OK 73160. www.moorefuneralcremation.com

In Lieu of flowers the family asks for donations in Rowena’s name to the Toby Keith Foundation Oklahoma Kids Korral. 818 NE 8th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 www.tobykeithfoundation.org (405)271-6552

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