Obituary of Joyce Combs

Combs Joyce

Joyce E. Combs, age 90 of Yankton, SD passed away Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD.  Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM, Friday, May 31, 2024 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Yankton, SD with Rev. Thi Pham officiating.  Burial of her cremated remains will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Yankton, SD.  Visitations will be 5 to 7 PM, Thursday, May 30, 2024 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Onsite Crematory, Yankton, SD and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.  Online condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. 

Joyce Smith was born June 23, 1933, to Vernon (Bud) and Ruth (Johnson) Smith in Yankton, SD.  She graduated Yankton High School 1951.

Joyce married Howard Combs June 1952 in Yankton, SD.  Joyce and Howard raised three children, Brad, Shaun, and Kerri.  Joyce went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in 1966 from Yankton College and Master’s degree from USD in 1974.  She continued her education throughout her teaching career.  She taught at Beadle Elementary for over 30 years touching the lives of many students.

Joyce was active in the VFW auxiliary, Sacred Heart Choir, Honored Women Educators of SD, SD Retired Teachers, and many other volunteer positions for her children and community.  She also was very active in writing newsletters and activities with her Yankton High School class of 1952.

In retirement, Joyce and Howard spent some time traveling, volunteering, but mostly enjoyed time with family especially grandchildren, Amanda, Samantha, Tyler and Eric.  Summers were filled with celebrations at their home with family.  They travelled and spent time with their grandchildren who were the highlight of their life.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, father, mother, son Shaun, stepmother Marie Smith, brother Paul Smith, sister Mary Kay Waldner.

Joyce is survived by her son Brad (Rita) of Cheyenne WY, daughter Kerri (Tim) Burrows of Brandon, SD, four grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 

Memorials are directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery; 509 Capital St.; Yankton, SD 57078.