Joy Combs

Joy (Kelley) Combs was born May 11, 1931 near Dixon, MO. She was the daughter of Sterling and Bertha (Ross) Kelley. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Missouri in 1952 and a Masters of Science from the University of Wisconsin in 1957.
In 1960, she married the late Dr. William M. Combs II, DDS. She taught Home Economics at Plattsburg Highschool in Missouri and at Ball State University.
Joy's passion was her family, community, and servant leadership. She held numerous leadership positions at High Street United Methodist Church on staff parish, trustees, children's ministries, UMW, and was instrumental in the church's reconstruction following its devastating explosion in 1978. She was an ardent and loyal member of Mortar Board, Phi Upsilon Omicron, Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Lambda Theta, the Delaware County Dental Auxiliary, a Girl Scout leader, and Burris PTA.
She is survived by her siblings Sterling Kelley, Barbara Wyatt and Ila Bench. Her surviving children are Sarah Mishler (Jeffrey), William M. "Buddy" Combs III, and Marilyn Bisbecos (Peter). Her grandchildren are Rachel Jones, William M. Combs IV (Amanda), Caroline Combs, Katherine New (Dylan), Andrew Bisbecos and Mark Bisbecos. She had three great-grandchildren, William "Liam" M. Combs V, Maci Combs, and Mason New.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, and brother, Ross.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm on Friday, November 7, 2025 at High Street United Methodist Church, 219 S. High Street, Muncie, IN.
Friends may call at the church from 2:00 pm until service time at 4:00 pm, on Friday, November 7, 2025. Private burial for the family will be in Beech Grove Cemetery.
To honor Joy's memory, the family asks that in place of flowers donations be made to High Street United Methodist Church, 219 S. High Street, Muncie, IN 47305, the Joy Combs Phi Upsilon Omicron Scholarship, c/o Jackie Johnston, 3400 Riggin Road, Apt 17, Muncie, IN 47304), Venmo: @JoyCombsScholarship.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.