Obituary for Pauline "Penny" Ritter Combs
Pauline “Penny” Ritter Combs entered into eternal life Nov. 11, 2023 at her residence in Whitesburg KY. Penny was born April 27, 1927 in Neon, KY to James M. Caudill Sr. and Atha Bentley Caudill. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Goebel Ritter, her husband of 16 years, Dan Combs, one brother James M. Caudill Jr., one step son Stephen D. Combs, and one step daughter, Camille Fickling.
Penny is survived by one daughter, Susanne Ritter (Alex) Baker, Tallahassee, FL, one step daughter Jill (Boo) Messer, Greer, SC, two step sons, David (Lisa) Combs, Lexington, KY, James Combs, Whitesburg, KY, daughter-in-law Renee Combs, Jacksboro, TN, and one sister, Anna C. Craft, of Morehead City, NC.
Penny was blessed to have nine grandchildren in her life: Alex Christopher (Amie) Baker, Sarah (Seth) Hawkins, James (Christina) Fickling, Reed Messer, Clay Messer, Mary Catherin (Hunter) Weber, Madison Combs, Seaton Daniel Combs, and Dozier Combs, and seven great grandchildren in her life: Max and Rowan Baker, Caleb and Clara Hawkins, and Chase, Teague and Easton Fickling, along with many special nieces and nephews.
Penny was a loving daughter, wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to everyone that came to know her. Penny was graduated from Fleming Neon High school and Eastern Kentucky University. She taught high school history in Fleming Neon and Hazard High schools in the 1950s. She was the Head Start Director in Whitesburg in the early 1960s. Penny was employed at First Security Bank/Pikeville National/Community Trust Bank Whitesburg for several decades and served on the Board of Directors for the Whitesburg bank for many years.
Penny had a generous heart and was passionate about education, and she delighted in seeing both children and adults learn. She was influential in helping establish the Whitesburg campus of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, of which she was very proud. Penny attended Whitesburg United Methodist Church, was a member of First Baptist Church in Whitesburg, Order of the Eastern Star Hester Chapter 54, Whitesburg Garden Club, Red Hats, and Beta Sigma Phi. Penny’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to Hospice Bluegrass Care Navigators care team, along with five wonderful private caregivers Kim, Angel, Kaitlyn, Mindy and Mona.
To plant a tree in memory of Pauline "Penny" Ritter Combs, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Service
Tuesday
14
Nov
6:00 PM
- 8:00 PM
First Baptist Church
170 Madison Avenue
Whitesburg, KY 41858
Service
Wednesday
15
Nov
1:00 PM
First Baptist Church
170 Madison Avenue
Whitesburg, KY 41858
Cemetery Details
Location
Sandlick Cemetery
Whitesburg, KY
Loading...
