Jacqueline Combs

Jacqueline Combs, a cherished mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, in Decatur, Illinois, leaving behind a legacy of love that will forever warm the hearts of her family and friends. Born on September 11, 1937, in Grundy, Virginia, Jacqueline blossomed into a remarkable woman, known for her unwavering devotion and her gentle spirit. Her journey began in Prestonsburg, Kentucky where she was raised by her grandmother Liz and her uncle Bill.

Throughout her life, Jacqueline wore many hats with grace and dignity. She contributed her talents to the accounting department at US News and World Report, where her meticulous attention to detail served the organization well. In addition to her professional achievements, she took immense pride in managing her husband Venice Combs' bluegrass band and festivals, ensuring their music brought joy to many while fostering a community of friendship and shared passion.

Jacqueline's personal life was defined by her selflessness. As a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she fiercely protected and nurtured her family, always putting others before herself. Her loyalty knew no bounds, and her positive outlook on life inspired those around her. She became a beacon of hope and warmth, making her home a welcoming sanctuary where unforgettable memories were woven into the fabric of everyday life.

In her leisure, Jacqueline found joy in gardening, often nurturing plants that mirrored her nurturing spirit. She delighted in canning the fruits of her labor, always prepared to share a meal crafted with love for her family. An avid reader, she explored new worlds through books, enriching her life and the lives of those she loved.

Jacqueline was also a proud member of the Kentucky Colonels, embodying the spirit of camaraderie and service that this honor represents. Her proudest accomplishments were not in her early years but rather in the family she raised and cherished—her son Douglas (Beth) Combs, grandchildren Travis (Emily) Caudill, Chad (Wendy) Caudill, and Katharine Combs, as well as her great-grandchildren Chase, Caley, Jay, Macie, Miranda, and her great-great granddaughter Amberly. Each of them carries a piece of her spirit forward, ensuring that her legacy of love and kindness continues to shine brightly.

Jacqueline was predeceased by her beloved husband Venice Combs, her dear parents William and Nellie Looney and her loving daughter Donna Caudill, whom she adored. Their love and warmth laid the foundation for the family Jacqueline so passionately cared for, and their memories will continue to inspire her family in their lives.

Visitation will be held on October 11, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home in Beavercreek, Ohio. Jacqueline's family invites all who knew her to join them in celebrating her life—a life filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to family. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.

in lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Jacqueline's memory to Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.