Rose J Combes

Rose was born in Syracuse to Ruth and Clinton Cookhouse. She was the oldest of seven children and graduated from Fayetteville-Manlius High School. She then received her Associate’s Degree from SUNY Morrisville.

She married Earl Combes of Norwich, NY on March 13, 1974. Earl was a life-long Marine, and he and Rose lived in a number of places, including Arizona and California, before retiring to their much-loved home in Cincinnatus.

Along the way, Rose had two children, who she doted on from day one. She carted them to sports, after school activities, and any other activity they were involved in, often volunteering herself.

Rose worked many jobs throughout her life, including being a teacher’s aide, factory worker, and secretary. Her last position was as the Attendance Clerk at Sherburne-Earlville Central School District. Whatever it is she was doing, she put her heart into it and always had a smile.

Wherever she went, Rose made a friend or two. Throughout her life, Rose has always been devoted to helping out friends, family, and her community. She was involved with Girl Scouts most of her life, volunteered with the Norwich City Band, FIRST Robotics Team 145, at many Sherburne-Earlville events, including Pageant of the Bands, and so much more.

Rose is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Earl; her daughter, Becky of Fulton, NY, her son Michael of Munnsville, NY, her cat Midnight, and two dogs, Lee and Lincoln; her siblings include Clinton Jr. (Buki) Cookhouse of Syracuse; Clara Saunders of Liverpool; Joseph (Kitt) Cookhouse of Cazenovia; Peter Cookhouse of Manlius; Arlene Cookhouse of Fayetteville; and Faye Cookhouse of Fayetteville.

Roses’ family will receive friends at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home, 116 N. Broad St. Norwich on Tuesday, December 19, from 4:00-7:00pm. Burial will take plcae at a later date in Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any children’s organization in her name.