Luise K. Combs

Luise K. Combs, affectionately known as Oma, passed away peacefully in Milford, Delaware, surrounded by family and friends, on February 14, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on April 2, 1936, in Ludwigshafen, Germany, Luise's journey began during WWll. She grew up during challenging times, attending school until the eighth grade, after which she worked on a dairy farm to support her family.

Oma dedicated 23 years of her life to the Platex factory, where she earned the loving nickname "mumsie" from her colleagues. Her caring nature shone through as she took remarkable pride in nurturing those around her, sharing lunches and harmonizing quarrels among co-workers, always fostering an environment filled with love and kindness.

Her personal life was rich with memories and cherished moments. Luise loved reminiscing about the "good old days," often sharing stories and singing in German with her daughter, Yvonne. Her passion for life was reflected in her many hobbies, as a child she loved running and riding horses. She had an affinity for the color blue, loved collecting salt and pepper shakers from around the world, and named each set after the friends who gifted them to her. She was also a spirited juggler, hula hooper and enjoyed playing the harmonica, never shying away from opportunities to brighten the lives of those around her.

Luise's personality resonated deeply with everyone she met. Her warm spirit was characterized by love, kindness, strength, and a delightful sassiness that kept those around her laughing. She had the remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed and valued, traits that defined her life and legacy.

Among her proudest accomplishments was becoming an American citizen, a journey that started when she met her husband, Billy P. Combs, on a blind date. They married and created a beautiful family. Luise cherished her roles as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, taking immense joy in nurturing her family. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Yvonne Combs Nelson; her granddaughters, Victoria Nelson, Adrianna Nelson and Stacey Craig, who is married to Kevin Craig; three great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Sara, and Ryan Craig; and four nieces; Ulrike Stenner, who is married to Reiner Stenner, Beate Fell who is married to Josef Fell, Heidi Muller, and Ute Kmuller; and extended family.

Luise was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Billy P. Combs; son-in-law, Robert G. Nelson; father, Joseph Wilhem Klein; mother, Luise Klein; and siblings, Elsbeth Suffel, Margot Kolbenschlag, Wilhem, Peter, Albert, and Heiner Klein.

A visitation with family will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Berry-Short Funeral Homes, 119 NW Front Street, Milford, DE. Followed by a Memorial Service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. If you like, please join her family in honoring Oma by wearing blue.

As we remember Luise K. Combs, we honor a life filled with love, laughter, and a willful spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her legacy of kindness will forever remain in our hearts.

Messages of comfort and sympathy can be offered to Luise's family at:   www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com