Joanne Mccombs

Joanne Williamson McCombs, 90, of Roswell, New Mexico, died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, August 29, 2016, at home. Joanne was born on June 30, 1926 in Clovis, NM to Ruth Maddux Williamson Denton (1905-1989) and Paul Alexander Williamson (1899-1964). In Joanne's early years, her Mom and Dad ran the H & H Grocery Store in Clovis. Mom told many stories about her early days playing in the store and going to movies at the Lyceum Theatre. She attended schools in Clovis, NM and then graduated from Elida High School at the age of 16 (1942). After working at Army Air Corps Flying School (WAFB) for a year, she attended Texas State College for Women at Denton, TX in the fall of 1944 and the spring of 1945.

On November 7, 1945, she married the love of her life, Emmet Blake McCombs (1916-1988) of Kenna, NM. They moved to the Bob Crosby Ranch (20 miles south of Kenna) after Bob died in 1947 and Emmet's aunt, Thelma Crosby, asked him to come run the 100 section ranch; then in 1956, Emmet and Joanne purchased the Berryhill Place where they ranched until Emmet's death in 1988.

Over Joanne's long life, she was a ballerina, a seamstress, a gardener with a fantastic green thumb, a fabulous cook, cowgirl, and a whiz at the stock market. But most of all, she was the most wonderful mother that three daughters could ask for. Mom was always there for us as the PTO President, Brownie Leader, hostess, nurse, cheerleader, tutor, the "Mom of Fix-It-All" and for that we have been so blessed.

Joanne is survived by three daughters: Jettie McCombs Christesson, Betty McCombs Patton (Gordon) , and Tracee McCombs Porter, eight grandchildren Kim McClusky Polus, Heather McClusky Herrington (Hal), Amanda Christesson Graham (Jim), and Marcus Christesson (Meagan), William Gordon Patton III (Raeann), Sara Patton Dewar (Graham), McKenna Porter and Maddux Porter and a brother John S. Denton (Glenna) of Amarillo, TX, and John C. Denton (Kristin)and Elizabeth Denton of Dallas, whom Joanne loved as her own grandchildren. She has 6 great-grandchildren and one great, great grandson. Joanne always thought of her sons-in-law as her own. She adored Gordon Patton, but she would also want to remember Jim L. McClusky, Larry W. Christesson and Randy Porter.

Joanne is preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Paul A. Williamson, Jr. (1928-1985).

A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 400 W. Third Street, Roswell, NM 88201, on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 10:30am. Graveside services will be conducted at the Kenna Cemetery, in Kenna, NM on Wednesday, November 23, 2016, at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Historical Society of Southeast New Mexico, Inc., 200 N. Lea, Roswell, NM 88201 and the Kenna Ladies Aid (Cemetery Fund) P.O. Box 41, Kenna, NM 88122.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all those who supported us during her final days and a special thank you to Bertha and Gonzalo Talamantes for all of their help and caring.

Service

First Presbyterian Church
400 West Third Street
Roswell, NM  88201
Saturday, September 24, 2016
10:30 am

Cemetery

Kenna Cemetery
000
Kenna, NM  000

Memorial Contributions

Historical Society of Southeast New Mexico, Inc.,
200 N. Lea
Roswell, NM  88201

Kenna Ladies Aid (Cemetery Fund)
PO Box 41
Kenna, NM  88122