Christel Combs, age 84, of Milford Center, went to be with the Lord and was reunited with her husband, Elmer Gene Combs, on Friday, April 14, 2023, at the Heritage Senior Living Center in Marysville following a battle with multiple myeloma.
On August 11, 1938, Christel was born in Berlin, Germany, twins of the late Erwin and Frieda (Schmah) Simon. She graduated from secondary school in Berlin.
One fateful day in 1962, Christel went to a German-American Folks Festival, and she caught the eye of a young US Army soldier, Elmer Gene Combs, as soon as she got off of the bus. He followed her and tapped her on the shoulder to get her attention, she turned around and had to look up to see Elmer’s face. It was love at first sight for each of them. Next, they rode on a roller coaster, and from there the rest is history. Upon Elmer’s honorable discharge, they returned to his hometown of Rosedale, Ohio, and were married a few days later on August 10, 1963, at the Free Will Baptist Church. They shared 53 years of marriage, and raised four children together: Wolfgang, Roger, Michele, and Tanja. He preceded her in death on June 10, 2016.
While her children were growing up, Christel was a loving homemaker, making sure her kids were always well cared for. Once they were in school, she began working on her education and working at Heartland of Marysville Nursing Home. She first earned her GED from the Hi-Point Career Center, because her schooling from Berlin wasn’t accepted here. She then commuted to the Tri-Rivers Career Center in Marion, where she earned licensed practical nursing degree in 1987.
A natural caregiver, Christel “was put on this earth to be a nurse.” In total she cared for the patients from Heartland of Marysville for 22 years, retiring from there in 2001.
Christel’s door was always open for everyone, whether you walked on two legs or four, since she loved all people and all animals. She loved to cook, and it was impossible to leave her home hungry. She loved living in the country, feeding all of the roaming cats, and feeding the many birds that visited her. She loved her many canine companions over the years, especially her spoiled pup, Rosie. She also enjoyed tending to her extensive flower garden every year.
Very faithful, Christel was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Marysville, where she took pride in being their German translator whenever it was needed. She also was a member of the Moose and Eagles Lodges in Marysville, and Germania in the German Village.
Christel welcomed everyone with a big beautiful smile and a hug. She had a bubbly personality, and a cackling giggle for a laugh that was contagious. She was truly a joy to visit with, and everyone loved her German accent.
Left to cherish her memory are her three children: Roger (Mary) Combs of Grove City, Michele Kowalik of Plain City, and Tanja Woda of Marysville; seven grandchildren: Douglas Combs, Nevaeh Combs, Megan (Chris) Guisinger, Aaron Tatman, Taylor Woda, and Brittany and Lexie Woda; five great-grandchildren: Jayce, Colton, Baeleigh, and Oaklyn Combs, and Aubree Powell; a daughter-in-law, Shari Courths; two sisters-in-law: Phyllis (Leonard) Daum, and Monell (Ronald) Dooley; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Including her husband and parents, Christel was preceded in death by her son, Wolfgang Courths; twin sister and brother-in-law: Margit (Jim) Thomas; and an infant brother, Ulrich Simon.
Her family will greet friends from 4 – 7 pm on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at the Ingram Funeral Home, 975 N. Maple St., Marysville. Services honoring her life will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 311 E 6th St, Marysville, with Pastor Elizabeth Clothier officiating. Burial will follow in Milford Center Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Union County Humane Society and they may be sent to the funeral home.
Ingram Funeral Home is honored to serve Christel’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.IngramFuneralService.com.
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