The Pechacek Funeral Home has announced the passing of 83-year-old June “Pudge” M. Combs of Chester, Illinois, at 2:15 am, Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at Pinckneyville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Pinckneyville, Illinois.
She was born April 28, 1940 in Chester, a daughter of Virgil “Crook” Dethrow and Laura (nee Bendorf) Fudge.
June married Frank Combs; he preceded her in death in January 2019.
She is survived by a son: Kevin (Hallie) Combs of Steeleville, Ill; three grandchildren: Jayde (Steven) McIntyre, Jacob (Heather) Combs and Jared Combs; six great grandchildren: Koda, Briella, Evelyne, Briar, Kytana and Kopelyn; four siblings: Pat Grah of Rockwood, Ill., Darlene Runge of Bethalto, Ill.,
Kenny (Janet) Fudge of Steeleville, Ill., and Delbert “Deb” (Barb) Dethrow of Shiloh, Ill; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was also preceded in death by: two brothers: Richard “Dicky” Dethrow and Kevin Fudge and four sisters: Glenda Duvall, Linda “Cookie” Hindman, Marlene Naragen and Claudette “Midge” James.
She had worked as an assistant librarian for Chester Library for many years where she was very involved in all activities.
June was very interested in Chester History and knew just about everything there was to know about Chester. She was the writer of the original ghost stories of Chester and was a big advocate for the Rock Bridge from the 1800’s. She also decorated the City Hall and the Courthouse at Christmas and enjoyed making dolls. She loved working in her yard and was very active in helping individuals who were running for Republican political offices.
She was a big fan of country music and at one time was one of Bill Ray Cyrus’ biggest fans. She met with Billy Ray Cyrus on many occasions and became friends with his mother, Ruth Ann, with whom she spoke on the phone and exchanged letters on many occasions.
June also ran the young bowling league in Chester for many years in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s and she was also the first woman to bowl a 299 which is almost a perfect game.
June considered herself a “River Rat” as she lived down by the river growing up. Her home was where the new water plant is located. She regularly attended the local river rat get together in Chester which is held annually.
She always met someone she knew no matter where she went. Even when she was out of state on vacation she always managed to find someone that she knew.
It was June’s wish to be cremated.