Joan "Jody" McCombs - Miller
September 13, 2016
Joan “Jody” McCombs-Miller, age 86, passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, IA.
There will be a memorial service at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, September 17, 2016 at First United Methodist Church, 1001 Pleasant St., Des Moines, IA 50309, with visitation for one hour prior to the service. Burial of cremated remains will take place at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery at a later date.
Jody was born May 31, 1930 to Fred Norton Smith and Grace Marjorie Hookom Smith in Mt. Pleasant, IA. She began her education at Newton High School and graduated from Roosevelt High School. She attended the University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University, and Drake University. Jody lived many places in her lifetime, including Ames, IA, Sparta, WI, Petersburg, VA, Chicago, IL, Madrid, IA, Urbandale, IA, and finally, Des Moines, IA. She also held a variety of jobs in her working years including Bell Telephone Operator, Office Secretary at Iowa State University, Des Moines Public Schools Media Specialist, and Principal Financial Group Pension Administrator and Meeting Planner. She retired in 1991.
Jody enjoyed scrapbooking, crafting, and knitting and would donate her creations to Prayer Shawl Ministry. She also liked camping, reading, and playing bridge and traveled extensively all over the world. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, P.E.O. Chapter GX, Wallace Questers, P. Buckley Moss Society, Red Hat Society, Iowa Travel Trailer Club, United Singles, and was an active Republican Party worker. She also worked on various church committees during her lifetime.
She is survived by her daughter, Terry Whitney (Brent); son, David McCombs (Pat); grandsons, Nathan (Sabrina) and Aaron McCombs, Russell and Greg Whitney; and great-grandchildren, Aiden, Presley, and Aubrey McCombs. Jody was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Grace Smith; both her husbands, Hugh McCombs and Jonas Miller; and her sister, Janet Fackler.
Memorial contributions are suggested to First United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, Iowa Public Broadcasting Network, Iowa Arboretum, or P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund.
Condolence messages may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Nancy Ehrhart
09/16/2016
Terry, David and families, Jody was a kind and loving lady who took so much pride in the two of you and her grandchildren. I had the pleasure of working and traveling with Jody for several years, as meeting planners at PFG. Her love of life was so evident and it had an impact on everyone she knew. I am very sorry for your loss.
Ellen Pilmer Lappin
09/16/2016
Terry and David,
I am very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I have many fond memories of all of you from our Christmas holidays in Atlantic. My sympathy to you and your families; may she rest in eternal peace.
Jim Calhoun
09/15/2016
Terry and Dave ~
Your Mother was one of my biggest cheerleaders. Her encouragement, sincerity and genuine concern is rare. I am grateful for her friendship. Our reunion; eternity together, is our comfort.
God's love and mine ~
Jim
Harry & Sandra Jeffries
09/15/2016
We know your mom enjoyed life and loved supporting her family at many events. We enjoyed knowing her and sure you find comfort in knowing she lead an active and full life.
Our love and prayers go out to your family.
Bob and Kris Young
09/14/2016
Jody your travels have now taken you home and into the arms of Jesus. You were loved and will be missed by your family and friends.
Terry my heart is so heavy for you in the loss of your mom. I love you and please know we will be praying for you now and in the days to come. Whatever you need, we will be there. Blessings and Hugs.