Helen Juanita Combs

Helen Juanita Combs, 90, of Independence, Kan., died Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011, at the Mercy Hospital in Independence, Kan.

Helen was born Nov. 11, 1930, in Independence, to William Owen and Elizabeth (Alcorn) Combs. She grew up in Independence and attended the Independence school system.

Helen worked as a buyer for Sinclair/ARCO Petroleum Company, retiring after 39 years. Helen was the first woman buyer for ARCO, she also was the buyer for ARCO for the pipe for the Alaskan Pipe Line. Helen was a member of the 55 and Better Club at Independence Community College and an unofficial ambassador of ICC and the GMUMC.

Helen loved animals and supported AWOL. She also cared for and mentored many children.

Survivors include a niece, Dian Combs of Fort Scott, Kan.; nephew, Thomas Combs of Berne, N.Y.; and sister-in-law, Ida Lou Combs of Clearwater, Kan. She was preceded in death by her parents William and Elizabeth Combs; a brother, Stanley Combs; foster sister, Olive Pohl; and her beloved dog of 17 years, Lucky.

Celebration of life services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 29, at the Grace Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. Willie Jones officiating. Burial will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery under the direction of the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kan.

Visitation hours will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 28, with the family receiving friends from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Potts Chapel in Independence.

The family has suggested memorials to the Grace Memorial United Methodist Church and contributions may be left at the Potts Chapel in Independence.