Barbara J. Combs

With deep love and gratitude, we announce the passing of our beloved mom, sister, grandma, aunt, and friend, Barbara J. Combs, on December 29, 2025. She was a woman of extraordinary strength and faith. A mother of five, she endured the unimaginable loss of four of her children—an experience no mother should ever have to bear—yet she continued to love fiercely and live with grace, courage, kindness, and an open heart.

She was a devoted wife to her husband, Howard, and together they shared a marriage rooted in love and commitment, until his passing in 2020.

She was an exceptional grandmother to Lisa and Trey, finding joy in her role as “Grandma” and offering them the same patience, warmth, and unconditional love that defined her life. 

She was a wonderful aunt and a friend to many - a good listener, a confidant, and a cheerleader for all.

A trailblazer in her own right, she was a skilled beautician and a business owner at a time when that path was far from common. She worked tirelessly while caring for her family, teaching PSR, volunteering generously, and building a life grounded in faith and family.

She will be remembered as a sweet lady, who made the people around her feel seen, appreciated and loved. She will be remembered for her strength, kindness, deep faith, and steady presence. A fighter to the end, she met every challenge with courage.

Her light shone brightly for 85 years and will continue to shine through the lives she touched, especially through her daughter Jennifer, whom she loved with all her heart.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Howard E; her children, Lisa, Cheryl, and Howard, II, “Howie”; and siblings David Bieniek, Corrine “Cookie” Kolt (the late Kenneth), and Stanley Bieniek. She is survived by her children, Jennifer Wesselhoff (Rick) and Caroline; grandchildren, Lisa (Ryan) and Howard, III “Trey”; daughter-in-law, Trish; and siblings Ken Bieniek (the late Nancy) and Cynthia Kehoe (the late Pat).

Friends may call at THE FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 WEST AURORA RD. (OH RT 82), SAGAMORE HILLS FOR VISITATION ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 FROM 4-8 P.M. Funeral Saturday, January 10, 2025 8:30 a.m. at the funeral home Mass of Christian Burial 9:30 a.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church. Interment Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at https://tinyurl.com/StJudeChHosp.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara J. Combs, please visit our floral store.