Gwendolyn Ann Combs, 77, passed away peacefully Oct. 29, 2024. She was born Aug. 21, 1947, in Portland, Ore., to Carl and Helen Staley.  

Gwen’s early years were spent in Idaho, where her father, a logger, moved the family as he worked throughout the region. She graduated from Post Falls High School in 1967 before pursuing her higher education at Pacific Lutheran University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in music. 

Gwen married Richard Combs on April 3, 1993, in Yakima, Wash., and the couple shared many cherished years together. Gwen was a dedicated elementary music teacher, teaching in schools across Moses Lake, Wash., Quincy, Wash., Tillamook, Ore., and Yakima, Wash., where she touched countless young lives with her love of music. Her career, however, was cut short when she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Gwen retired early to focus on her health, but her passion for music and teaching remained with her throughout her life. 

Gwen is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Helen Staley. 

She is survived by her loving husband, Richard Combs, her daughter, Annaka A. Smith of Seattle, Wash. She leaves behind her stepsons, Richard Thomas Combs (Barbara), Steven Gregory Combs (Daschel) and Patrick William Combs (Tamara), along with their families: Richard's daughter, Rosie, Steven's children, Avonlea and Samantha, and Patrick's children, Anthony and Corey. Gwen is also survived by her sister, Pam Bartlett (Charlie) of Spokane, Wash., two nieces and four great-grandchildren. 

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Faith Larkin, whose compassionate care over the last four years provided comfort and support to Gwen and her family during her illness. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Parkinson’s disease research or a music education fund of your choice, in honor of Gwen's lifelong love of music. 

Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at https://bit.ly/GACOMBS. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.