Obituary: Shirley Dene Combs

Shirley Dene (Chadwell) Combs, age 79, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Friday morning, Jan. 24, 2025. She was born to Oved and Lucy (McWhorter) Chadwell on April 30, 1945.

A graduate of Taft High School, Shirley started her career at the Hamilton Board of Education. Shirley retired from Miami University after nearly 30 years of working and finishing her career at the Alumni Office. She enjoyed her years at Miami and made wonderful friends she cherished.

Shirley leaves behind her beloved husband, Carl, whom she married Jan. 23, 1965, and just celebrated 60 beautiful years together on Thursday. Together they had two children and spent almost their entire marriage living in Milford Township, where she enjoyed their property through walks, joining Carl on four-wheeler rides and views from her swing.

Shirley was very proud of her seven grandchildren, and was always making trips to see them in their activities and calling them regularly. She loved her family dearly, and was a wonderful host to everyone who came to visit, making delicious meals, and her famous pies. Shirley was a faithful member of Eaton Road Church of God, serving the congregation in every way she could, and volunteering at Pathway of Hope Pregnancy Center. She reflected the love of her Savior through the way she cared deeply for others, gave generously and was a wonderful listener. To know Shirley Combs was to love her and be loved by her.

She leaves behind her children, Steve (Keri) Combs and Angie (Tim) Walls; step-daughter Carla Chase; grandchildren, Matthew, Anna, Ellie, and Megan Combs, Lauren (Daniel), Lydia (TJ) and Gavin Walls; brother and sister-in-law, Donald (Wilma) Chadwell; sisters in-law, Linda Hartwell (John) and Mary Sue (Bob) Tickel; and many nieces and nephews.

This obituary was originally published on the website of Weigel Funeral Home and has been edited for length.