Jeanne (Massey) McCombs

     Jeanne Massey McCombs, 93, a resident of Twin Falls and formerly of Gooding, passed away on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at St. Luke's Medical Center in Twin Falls

     Jeanne was born June 16, 1924 in Bennington, Kansas to Purl and Clara Quinn Massey.  She was an adventuresome infant and her parents often said to her brother Glenn, “Go see what Jeanne is doing and tell her to stop!”  Jeanne always loved to be on the go. 

     She spent most of her life in Idaho, graduating from Gooding High School at the age of 16 she then heading up to the University of Idaho.  She joined the Pi Beta Phi sorority and majored in Bacteriology and minored in Chemistry her senior year.  She was asked to join the Pre-med honorary society because she excelled in each of her science classes.  Since the years she spent at U of I were during WWII Jeanne didn’t have many fellows to distract her from her studies. 

     After graduating from the University, she and her high school sweetheart, Alan D. McCombs, married in December of 1945.  Alan joined the Federal Land Bank and they raised three daughters, Kerry Dale, Barbara, and Holly, and one son, Kelly.  To help those children afford a college education Jeanne taught science classes at Frahm Junior High until all four young McCombs’ graduated from college. 

     At this time the desire to explore the world would take Jeanne on adventures in Western Europe (many times), China, Asia, Eastern Europe, Romania, Greece, and Turkey.  Then she discovered cruise ships, from then on, she ventured to countries and ports from the Mediterranean Ocean to Scandinavian shores, and parts of the Caribbean.  She loved to collect spoons, porcelain dolls, and decorative eggs during her travels which she displayed in her home. 

     Jeanne was active in many organizations including belonging to a U of I Pi Phi reunion group.  This group of dear friends would meet up every 2 years in different parts of the states across the USA.  These gals and their friendships were so treasured by her.  Another large part of her life was her membership of PEO, which she celebrated 70 years of membership this year and served in several different offices over her long-time membership.  She was a long-time member of the Gooding Nazarene Church and her church family brought her so much joy. Bridge Club, Snake River Art Guild, painting pictures, and more recently rocks, kept Jeanne active and involved. 

     In the most recent years Jeanne moved to Brookdale Assisted Living in Twin Falls, Idaho.  While it took some time to adjust, she settled in and learned to make the best of her living situation.  She enjoyed the “Brain Games” they played every week and remained very competitive and always wanted to win.  She was so thankful for her Bridge Club who still included her, she even hosted the group at Brookdale.  Until the time of her recent illness that took her she had remained quite healthy, spry, and even taught a few art classes to her fellow residence. 

     Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, Purl O Massey, Clara Quinn Massey; and her brother, Glenn Massey. 

     She is survived by her four children: Barbara Simms of Fairfield, Idaho, Kerry Vine of Eugene, OR., Holly Holloway of Cody, WY. and Kelly McCombs of Waterville, OR.; 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. 

     A funeral service will be held at the Desert Hills Church of the Nazarene in Gooding at 3:00 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2018.  Burial will be in the Elmwood Cemetery in Gooding following the service. 

     Family and friends may call from 2:00 – 3:00 pm for a viewing at the Church.

     Memorial contributions may be made to PEO Scholarship Fund c/o Kim Faulkner 1775E 1700 S Gooding, ID 83330.

     Funeral services are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel.

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