Lillian “Colleen” (Robbins) Combs

Lillian "Colleen" (Robbins) Combs, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend was born on March 19th, 1958, passed away on Friday, December 28th, 2024. Colleen suffered a heart attack at age 66 and died in a the care of a Hospice Facility in Longview, Washington.

Colleen was born prematurely with her twin sister, Loretta Marleen. They both came into this world

at seven months, weighing less than 5 pounds each. Colleen was the fourth of eight children born to Harvey and Renee Robbins. And, give their low birth weights both their parents committed to their survival, feeding their twin girls every two hours for months. The around-the-clock feedings demonstrated their love for their twin girls.

Colleen, along with her 6 sisters and one brother grew up in the Mt. Pleasant area of Carrolls, Washington. Growing up in a rural area and in a the large family, Colleen shared the many duties of small family farm life of the 1950s and 60s. She had plenty of opportunities to work in the vegetable garden eating carrots and cucumbers as she weeded the garden rows. She pick fruit from trees, feed farm animals and even enjoy wild berries while exploring the surrounding woods.

Colleen attended the small, rural Carrolls Elementary School District before entering the Kelso School District attending Coweeman Junior and Kelso High School. At age 17 Colleen went to live with her older sister, Helen, in the Renton, Washington. This is where she subsequently met and later married Robert Combs. Robert and Colleen were married many years raising their children during before they divorced.

Colleen spent most of her time working in the Seattle, Washington area enjoying success in the field of computers and technology. Her career included positions with Wyle Electronics in Seattle-Bellevue, Burlington Northern in downtown Seattle and finally with the Boeing Company in Seattle.

One of her most gratifying personal experiences, during her marriage, was building a log home with the help and guidance from Amish builders. She delighted in sharing her recollections, reflections and memories; sharing in their culture, traditional skills and cohesive community.

Following her years of work with Boeing, she returned back to the Kelso area of Southwest Washington. While in Kelso, she worked part time as a Care Giver. Colleen enjoyed all the interactions with her clients having a heart filled with giving to those in need.

Colleen is survived by her 2 of children, each of whom brought her immense, joy and pride.

Her most precious joys always came through her children. She loved each one for the little person they once were and the remarkable adults they had become. Whenever she spoke of her children, her eyes would light up with a glow, her face would break into a smile, and her laughter would resonate from the heart.

Her third and youngest son, Sam continued to reside near his mother and was her greatest emotional support in the years and months leading up to her death. Colleen had a deep love for the classic TV westerns of the 1950s and 60s, a passion she shared with Sam, eventually hooking him. Their time spent watching reruns together became a cherished ritual, providing them with hours of enjoyment and heartfelt conversations. These moments not only strengthened their bond but also created lasting memories that Sam will carry with him forever.

Colleen will be remembered for her sensitivity, kindness and loving heart. Colleen will also be remembered for her strength and boldness as well as her determination throughout life.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, her younger brother Harvey, Jr.. and sadly her oldest son, Sgt. Casey Combs, who died while serving in Afghanistan.

Colleen Is survived by her adult children Sam and Jessica; daughter-in-law Skye Combs; and four grandchildren, Nicole, Trenton, Jordan and Mckenzie. She is also survived by her loving sisters Marleen and Helen, along with Mary, Debra, Rosanna and Ellen.

A gravesite remembrance and life celebration will be held on September 26th at 2:00 PM, at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Carrolls, Washington.

The family requests to plant a tree in her memory. And, participants attending her grave site "Celebration of Life'"are encouraged to bring a flowers to place on her final resting place.