Shirley Joann Combs was born on September 5, 1935, at her family home near Parallel in Dewey County, Oklahoma, to Jesse and Violet (Wanzer) Helzer. She passed away in Edmond, Oklahoma, at the age of 90 years and 11 days.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lyle Combs; her brother, Jesse D. Helzer; her sister, Eileen Ames; and her brother-in-law, Jim Ames. She is survived by her son, David Lyle Combs and his wife Danielle of Owasso; and her daughter, Nancy Towne and husband Bret of Edmond. Also surviving are her grandchildren; Peter Lyle Towne and wife Taylor of Edmond; Patrick Towne of Edmond; Karsyn Baldridge and husband Jace of Broken Arrow; Presley Combs of Charlotte, North Carolina; Jagger Combs and fiancé Emma Clark of Moore; as well as four great-grandchildren; Parker Towne, Turner Lyle Towne, Keller Towne, and Jensyn Baldridge. Shirley is also survived by her brother, Gary Helzer and wife Monica of Los Angeles, California; her sister-in-law, Henrietta Helzer of Weatherford; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

As a child, Shirley worked on the family farm, milking cows, feeding livestock, and helping her mother run the household. She attended Parallel Country School for her elementary education and graduated from Thomas High School in 1953. After graduation, Shirley attended Southwestern State College, where she received a Business/Secretarial Certificate.

In 1956, Shirley married her high school sweetheart, Lyle Combs, and the two enjoyed 64 wonderful years together until his passing in 2020. During their marriage, Shirley and Lyle lived in Norman, Dallas, and Oklahoma City, eventually returning to Thomas in 1969. While Lyle continued to work in Oklahoma City and on the farm, Shirley meticulously maintained their home and lawn. In 1975, she and her sister-in-law, Norma Jean Fender Hight, co-owned and operated The Village Square clothing store on Main Street in Thomas until they closed it in 1985.

Shirley valued many things in her life, including her family, friends, and community. Above all, her first love was for the Lord God Almighty and our Savior Jesus Christ. She demonstrated this love through her kindness, compassion, and genuine concern for others. Shirley's life was a reflection of her faith, and she showed her dedication to the church through her regular attendance, teaching Sunday School, preparing funeral dinners for decades, and assisting with the Community Thanksgiving Dinner for many years.

Shirley Combs will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to the Lord, her family, friends, and community. She was known for her grace, kindness, and the warmth she shared with everyone she encountered. Her family and her many friends will deeply feel her absence, but her memory will live on in their hearts.