Mary Coombs

MARY COOMBS Mary Melita Coombs, 96, a mother and artist, of Las Vegas, passed away Nov. 26, 2008. She was born Jan. 12, 1916, in Salt Lake City, and was a resident of Nevada for 41 years. Melita (as she was known) began painting as a child and continued throughout her life. She was raised in Salt Lake City, where she graduated from West High School. Melita was married to Paul C. Strong before moving to San Francisco. Paul and Melita gave birth to two sons, Ronald Paul Strong and Gary Payson Strong. Ten years later, while divorced, she met Carl Steed Coombs and they were married in the LDS Temple. Carl and Melita gave birth to two sons, Dennis George Coombs and Christopher Carl Coombs. Together, the family lived in Tiburon, Calif., until 1996. In 1997, Melita and Carl moved to Las Vegas until her death. Melita was an accomplished artist having been given many honors and presenting many exhibits at art galleries throughout the country. She was also selected as one of the 100 best artists in California and was honored to do a portrait of Mary Hopkins (wife of Mark Hopkins, owner of the Mark Hopkins Hotel on Nob Hill in San Francisco). She also traveled throughout the American continent and Europe while commissioned to do portraits and landscapes. Some of her work include the portrait of Howard Hughes (Man of Achievement) and director of the Hughes Executive Airport of Las Vegas. Another important work included a portrait of Buster Wilson, Indian artist and descendent of the original family who lived at the location of the Spring Mountain Ranch. This portrait was commissioned by the Ranch and now hangs above the fireplace in the main ranch house. Melita also completed a series of portraits of the LDS presidents for the Genealogy Library of Las Vegas. Melita had many dear friends and relatives and will be truly missed. She was preceded in death by her brother, Willard Smith of Salt Lake City; sister, Phylis Smith of Sedona, Ariz.; and her son, Ronald Paul Strong of Novato, Calif. Melita is survived by her sons, Gary Payson Strong, Dennis George Coombs and Christopher Carl Coombs; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Viewing will be 9-9:45 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, with services following from 10-11 a.m., both at the LDS Chapel on W. Charleston Blvd.