Shirley Vance Combs

Shirley Vance Combs was born in Rosebud, S. D., in 1929 to Thomas and Belle Florence Combs, and was proud to be part Oglala Sioux. She spent her early life in South Dakota and Natrona, Wyo. When she was a child, she found a little church to attend by herself, because she liked their flannelgraph Bible stories. Shirley was responsible for many farm chores and one day when she was riding her horse, she was struck by lightning and knocked off the horse. At age 14 she got a job as an elevator operator in Casper, Wyo., and at the age of 16 as a telephone operator while attending Natrona High School. She graduated in 1948.

She worked as a bookkeeper for Pacific Power and Light in Thermopolis, Wyo., and was also a keypunch operator for Empire Oil Company, while raising her family.

She enjoyed crocheting, twice completing a 2x4 foot presentation of the Lord's Supper, as well as many afghans for friends and family. She was an avid book reader, fantastic cook, and made sure she did a crossword puzzle every day. She was a giver, as she loved finding just the right little gift for her many friends. She was a member of the Sweet Tomatoes.

She married Cotton Clayton in 1955 and they raised their family in Casper and Thermopolis, Wyo. She had three children, 7 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. She found a church home and brought her family to God, and was a member of the Church of Christ for 60 years.

Her husband, Cotton, of 43 years passed in 1998, and she remarried Kenneth Hendrick of Denver, Colo., in 2004. They spent 20 years together sharing the last chapter of their lives.

Survivors include her daughters, Evonne and Nancy; son, David; and Ken's daughters, Lisa and Linda. Her grandchildren were Sherri, Wayne, Leah, Clay, Aly, Luke, and Leah; great-grandchildren Noah, Ryder, Dylan, Sarah, Kaley, Devin, Owen, Holden, Grayson, Quinlyn, Remy, Cal, and Eiley.

Donations are suggested to Colorado Christian Services 3050 East Arapahoe Road, Centennial, CO 80122 in memory of Shirley Hendrick.

A memorial service for Shirley was held April 14, 2025, at University Church of Christ, 2000 S. Milwaukee St., Denver, CO 80210.