Beverly Lee Combs

Age 89

Died peacefully on July 15, 2017. Beverly was born on January 7, 1928 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Spokane, WA to Vernon W. Sabin and Grace L. (Peck) Sabin.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; many beloved uncles, aunts, and cousins; as well as her husband of 66 years, Clyde F. Combs.

Beverly was a lifelong Spokane girl having lived her entire life within its city limits. She attended Audubon and Hutton Elementary schools (Red Henderson, longtime Silver Spurs Director, was her 5th grade teacher and a favorite). She attended Lewis & Clark High School where loved being in the band/orchestra & playing clarinet. She loved to swim and train for races. Her parents enlisted the help of an Army Air Corp member, named Clyde Combs, to be her pacer during a summer of training at Comstock Pool. He was transferred back east but letters between the two kept flowing.

Beverly began college at Eastern Washington College of Education. At the end of her sophomore year Clyde transferred to EWCE and they were married, September 3, 1948. They lived in Trailerville (married student housing) just west of Showalter Hall and graduated together two years later. Beverly taught art for one year in multiple District 81 elementary schools and grade levels; 5th grade being her favorite.

Bev moved on to a potpourri of other pursuits. She was the only girl to attend a trade school for drafting. While in class she drew the plans for their new home. She became the general contractor. The house included marble/granite steps from a Browne’s Addition demolition, and 26’ long solid beams from an old mule barn at Fort Wright plus so many other items it would take a book. She was a recycler ahead of her time. After completing their beautiful home overlooking the Spokane River, Bev moved on to other building projects/houses/properties.

She fed her artistic side by helping decorate at the old Crescent Department Store and created floral arrangements for consignment sales at Custer Craft Shows. Beverly worked at her cousin, Belva Curtis’ art gallery/gift store in the Davenport Hotel during Expo ’74; it was deluged with international visitors. She laughingly remembered helping a contingency of Japanese visitors with 100% language barrier and lots of hand gestures until all left successfully with their many packages.

Beverly loved being busy and moving all day long. She was a great example of how to age with energy and not let pains slow you down. No service is planned. In lieu of flowers or gifts please consider a donation to Spokane SCRAPS; Bev loved all animals, but especially her many cats.

Arrangements under the direction of Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home, Spokane, WA.