Merna Belle Combs, aged 94, passed away June 1, 2026. Merna was born Jan. 20, 1932, in York, to Wayne and Ila Hager.
She was united in marriage to Paul Combs on May 22, 1948, in Friend. Merna was a devoted member of her community. She worked as a salesclerk at Johnson Pharmacy for 30 years and served as a bookkeeper at the Prospector Restaurant & Lounge for nine years before retiring.
However, her community involvement didn't stop at her professional life. Merna was a dedicated volunteer at St. Elizabeth's hospice for 12 years, showing her compassionate nature and love for helping others. She was an active member of the Women of the Moose, Lincoln Chapter #1164, and a faithful member of the United Church of Christ in Friend.
Merna was known for her warm spirit and love for her family, always having cookies in the freezer for everyone. She took great joy in spending time with her grandchildren. Her life was a living example of service, love, and dedication. She leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.
Merna is survived by her children, Rhonda Combs, Exeter and Jeff Combs, Friend; grandchildren, Michelle Slezak, Crete, Terri Manning, Polk, Mike (Alicia) Hardin, Malcolm, Curtis Combs, Lincoln, Trent (Janet) Combs, Wilber, Travis (Heidi) Combs, York, Keli (Dustin) Andreson, Blue Springs, Missouri, Paul (Kylie) Combs, Russellville, Arkansas, Megan (Chad) Rohren, Cordova, and Caitlyn Combs, Omaha; 27 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren; sisters Rosie Freeman, Lincoln, and Daisy (Walter) Michno, Bradenton, Florida; brother, Wes (Jean Ann) Hager, Lincoln; and several nieces and nephews.
Merna was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Ila Hager; late husband, Paul Combs; sister, Ruby Johnson; son, John Combs; daughter, Brenda Combs; and daughter-in-law, Patti Combs.
A Celebration of Life service will be at 10 a.m. Friday July 31, at the Friend Congregational Church, Friend, with a graveside service following at the Andrew Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the family for a future designation.
Arrangements by Lauber Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
