Mary Lee Combs Caves, 101 years young, a longtime Garden City resident, passed away peacefully at home on March 31, 2024.
She was born on August 5, 1922, in Allais, Perry County, Kentucky to Molly Walker and Henry Beecher Combs. She was raised in Hazard, Kentucky and attended schools in Perry County, Kentucky. She was raised Baptist and growing up she attended Petrey Memorial Baptist Church in Hazard.
On December 12, 1942, she married Aaron Hurtt in Austin, Indiana. They divorced in 1978. They had six children: Margaret “Margie” (Routh), Charles “Chuck” Hurtt, Marilyn “Kaye” (Lightner), Wanda (Haflich), Alta (Lamaster), and Donald “Donnie” Hurtt.
Mary Lee earned a Certified Nurses Aid Certification in 1982. She held many positions in her life, but she is mostly fondly known for her many years caring for mentally or physically disabled children and adults. She loved sending and receiving mail and for many years corresponded with more than 80 pen pals. She enjoyed embroidery, baking, preparing home cooked meals, and was a life-long member of the VFW. She was compassionate and cared deeply for children and animals.
She is survived by her two daughters, Kaye Lightner of Garden City and Alta Lamaster, and husband Ron, of Leoti. Other survivors include 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 20 great great-grandchildren, and three siblings, Iris (Combs) Singleton, Betty (Combs) Donaldson, and Benton Combs.
She is proceeded in death by her children Margie in 2016, Wanda in 2012, Donnie in 1996, and Chuck in 1994, as well as a granddaughter, a grandson, three great-grandchildren, and ten siblings Maude Hensley, Gordon Lee Hensley, Alta Woodkey, and Betsy Combs, and Louise, Beatrice, Calvin, Mary Edna, Cordelia, Clarence, Henry “H.B.” and Sharon Combs.
The Viewing and Visitation will be Tuesday, April 9th from 5-8 pm at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. The Celebration of Life and Funeral Service will be Wednesday, April 10th at 2 pm at Garnand Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Christ officiating. Internment will follow immediately at Valley View Cemetery. The family suggests Memorials to the Mary Lee Caves Memorial Fund in Care of Garnand Funeral Home, 412 N 7th Street, Garden City, KS 67846 620-276-3219