Melissa Combs

Melissa Irene Combs, a cherished resident of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on April 30, 1942, in Martinez, California, to Claude and Bertha Mosier Simmons, Melissa grew up in the area and graduated from Antioch High School.

She married William Combs and devoted herself to being a loving homemaker, proudly raising their three sons. As her husband worked as a union ironworker, the family embraced new adventures together, living in Oklahoma for a time where their second son was born, before returning to Oakley, California, for the arrival of their third. Melissa briefly worked at the Potato Shed in Granada, California, but her heart was always with her family, and she chose to focus fully on nurturing her home and boys.

In 1991, Melissa and her family made Mountain Home their permanent home, where she continued to build a life filled with love and connection. She was a warm and loving woman who welcomed everyone into her home with open arms, always making sure visitors had something to eat and drink, and she never forgot a birthday—no matter how busy life got, Melissa remembered everyone’s special day and made sure they felt celebrated. Straightforward and honest, she spoke her mind in the kindest way—her words were comforting, thoughtful, and always came from a place of genuine care.

Melissa is survived by her two devoted sons, Mike Combs and Willie Combs, both of Mountain Home, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Justin Combs, Michael Sigmann, Chris Combs, and Misty Combs; sixteen great-grandchildren, Trinity, Robert, Dillon, Zachary, Tara, Bradly, Gaven, Amelia, Lydia (Lexi), Waylon, Willow, Weston, Whitley, Brenly, Steel, and Kimber; her sister, Andrea; sister-in-law, Amy Spanger; niece, Christine Sporgin; nephew, John Simmons; step-son, Tommy Combs; and many dear friends, including Goldy Gomez and Gayla Gomez Sims.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William; her son, Gary Combs; and her granddaughter, Kathy Sue Combs Willett.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Peitz Cancer Support House, 628 Hospital Drive, Mountain Home, AR 72653.

Arrangements are under the direction of Kirby & Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. An online guestbook is available at www.kirbyandfamily.com.