OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Doris Sue Combes, 77, a beloved member of the Osage City, Kan., community, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loved ones, Oct. 20, 2024, at Peterson’s Nursing. Doris was born Nov. 27, 1946, in Emporia, Kan., the daughter of Earnest and Bonnie (Osman) Huddleston.
Doris graduated in 1965 from Lebo High School, Lebo, Kan., and in the same year was united in marriage to her husband of nearly 60 years, Gordon Combes. Together, they owned and operated the Lebo Diner for nine years, where she became a familiar, warm presence to patrons and employees alike. Alongside this venture, she also managed her own beauty shop for five years, also in Lebo. Over the years, Doris also held various positions in several businesses around Osage City.
Family was the cornerstone of Doris’s life. She had a special bond with her husband, Gordon, with whom she traveled extensively across the country for more than 20 years, often bringing their grandchildren along to share in these adventures. Despite her lack of interest in NASCAR, Doris embraced the joy of these excursions, accompanying Gordon to races and cherishing the time spent on the road as a family.
Her love for her children, Julie Martin and Mike Combes, was profound, and she took great joy in her role as a grandmother to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved making quilts and hosting big dinners for family and friends. In addition to time spent with family, she was a huge fan of KU Basketball, and enjoyed hunting for pheasants and other birds. A lover of adventure, she found pleasure in riding motorcycles and bowling.
Doris is survived by her husband, Gordon Combes, of Osage City; daughter, Julie Martin (John); son, Mike Combes (Vicki); sisters, Karen Carol (Jim) and Myrna Rogers (Jim); brothers, Bob Huddleston (Sheri) and Kenneth Huddleston (Mary); grandkids, Jessica, Trey, Dylan, Jarrett, Mitch, Jennifer and Travis; and seven great-grandkids and countless other extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest and Bonnie Huddleston.
A funeral service was Oct. 25, at First United Methodist Church, Osage City. Interment followed at Osage City Cemetery.
Condolences can be left at vanarsdalefs.com.
