Mary Jo Combs

Mary Jo Combs, 56, of Onaway, passed away at home May 3, 2017. Born in Onaway January 1, 1961, Mary was one of nine children born to Orvel and Violet (Potter) Tucker. Mary was a 1979 graduate of Onaway High School and lived in the area for most of her life.  In May of 1984 she married Joseph A. Combs in Auburn Heights. They made their home in Ferndale until 1990 when they moved to Onaway.

Mary worked for many years at Tube Fab in Afton and was a homemaker. She enjoyed reading and watching her favorite shows on television. Her family has fond memories of days spent at the beach during the summer months and hours spent in the woods searching for morel mushrooms or picking blueberries. A wonderful cook, Mary somehow found time to can tomatoes and vegetables each year. She loved the simple pleasure in life… picking wildflowers, going for a horseback ride, and spending time with the people she loved.

Very patriotic, Mary was grateful to the men and women who serve in the military and extremely proud and supportive of her family members that have served.  Well-liked, people were drawn to Mary.  She had many friends and cherished each and every friendship.  Mary’s greatest love was for her family. Her grandchildren were her joy; she loved spending time with them and looked forward to the weekends when they would come to spend the night.  Mary’s down-to-earth personality and gentle, humble demeanor will be missed by all who knew her.

Surviving Mary is her husband of 33 years, Joe Combs of Onaway; son, Joel

Combs of Lansing; twin daughters, Kerri (John) Hotsinpiller of Cheboygan and Terri Combs (Kyle Pszczolkowski) of Pellston; and the grandchildren she adored, Olivea Rae and Jonathan Patrick.  Mary also leaves her mother, Violet Tucker of Onaway; sisters, Janice (Bob) Strong, Beverly (Mike) Fisher, Verna (Corky) Sager and Claudia (Steve) Wright); brothers, August “Bud” (Lori) Tucker and Claud Tucker; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Preceding Mary in death were her daughter, Allison; father, Orvel Tucker; brother, Floyd Tucker; sister, Donna Durbrow; and niece, Kristine Strong.

Cremation arrangements were in care of the Chagnon Funeral Home. A memorial service was held at the Waverly Township Hall, 11133 Twin School Road, Onaway Saturday, May 6. Mary’s final resting place is at Tower at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Mary to one of her favorite charities, The American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Disabled American Veterans. Condolences may be shared with Mary’s family at www.chagnonfh.com.