Ruth M. Combs of Casper, Wyoming, peacefully passed away on June 17, 2016 at the age of 94.

Ruth was born on July 12, 1921 to Myrtle E. and Ray B. Wooster in Breckenridge, Texas. She was a resident of Casper, Wyoming since 1947.

In 1946, Ruth and William H. (Bill) Combs were married. He preceded her in death in 1998. She is survived by her children, Peggy R Tolliver (Michael) and W. Henry Combs III, both of Casper; three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Ruth grew up in the oil fields of the Rocky Mountain west, but always returned to family in Ohio for summer vacation and holidays. In 1938 she graduated from high school in Olney, Illinois. She attended MacMurry College and Ohio State University where she joined Alpha Delta Pi Sorority in 1940. She served as chapter president in 1942. After graduating from Ohio State University in 1943 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Retail Merchandising, she began her first career as a ladies-ready-to-wear buyer at Seiller's and Lazarus Department Stores in Columbus, Ohio.

Ruth's second career was teaching third grade at Park Elementary School for 26 years. She especially enjoyed teaching reading and math. She was a 50 year member of Order of Eastern Star and Daughters of the Nile. In 1985 she retired to enjoy her family, to travel and to enjoy her favorite hobbies of bridge and china painting.

She lived at Primrose Retirement Community for the past 12 years.

A memorial service  at Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery in Evansville, WY.

Star-Tribune (Casper, WY) - Tuesday, June 21, 2016