Dorothy Coombs

(From Knell Mortuary)

Mrs. Dorothy Ann Knell Coombs, daughter of the late Louise Meuschke Knell and Frank W. Knell Sr., was born on Mother’s Day, May 12, 1918, in Carthage, Missouri. She was the oldest of five children, all of whom are previously deceased. Dorothy graduated from Carthage High School in 1936 and attended Lindenwood College in 1937.

On September 30, 1941, Dorothy was united in holy matrimony with Arthur Miller Coombs, who passed away on January 12, 1966. During World War II, they lived in Long Beach, California, and Great Falls, Montana. After the war they returned to Carthage, Missouri, where they were blessed with six children: Helen Smith, Galveston, TX, Barbara (Dr. Henry) Crotwell, York, SC, Jon (Karen) Coombs, San Marcos, CA, Sandi (Kevin) Checkett, Carthage, Nancy (Arthur) Hanson, Sandy, UT and Laura (Alan) Segervall, Half-Moon Bay, CA. After Mr. Coombs died, Mrs. Coombs ensured all her children graduated college and earned Master’s degrees. She was mother-in-law to six, grandmother to sixteen, and great-grandmother to seven.

A devoted sports fan, Dorothy loved the St. Louis Cardinals and looks forward to meeting Stan Musial, along with Abe Lincoln and her beloved Art. She was the loudest supporter at her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. Dorothy loved cheering on her kids at swim meets, and was known fondly as “Coach Coombs” by the team members.

Dorothy enjoyed baking for her family, members of her church, the senior center, and friends who could no longer leave their homes. Her cinnamon sugar donuts were famous for making the law office of Checkett & Pauly close for an hour to sample some while they were still hot. She regularly shared pans of cinnamon rolls with friends and family.

She was honest. She was opinionated and shared her feelings. She didn’t suffer fools, and she did not like breaches of etiquette. She even occasionally carried grudges. Despite these things--and a little because of them--she is well-loved and will be missed.

Dorothy lived passionately and to the fullest. Always on the move and looking for the next party, she adored travelling as a young woman and continued adventuring to Europe into her ninth decade. She believed in a life well-lived, a world worth exploring, and the value of family and friends. She was fiercely protective of those she loved, who were many.

“Nana,” “Granny,” “Mom” celebrated a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with her children, as well as six of her grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. She was surrounded by loved ones when she passed on November 26, 2016.

Visitation will be held Tuesday November 29 from 6-7pm at Knell Mortuary. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 30 in the Knell Mortuary Chapel. Rev. James Lee, First United Methodist Church, Carthage will officiate. Interment will be in Park Cemetery, Carthage. Memorial gifts are suggested to the CAN-DO Senior Center, Carthage in care of Knell Mortuary, 308 W. Chestnut, Carthage, MO, 64836. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.