Doris Elaine McCombs, 93, of Niles, Michigan, passed away peacefully in her home of 63 years, on February 20, 2026, with family members present. Born in Detroit on July 13, 1932, Doris was the 2nd of 3 daughters born to the late Elsa (Kollbrunner) and Clifford Pike.
She attended school in both Niles, MI and in Des Moines, IA, and worked as a telephone operator in Elkhart, IN as a young adult. In 1951 Doris boarded a plane and flew to
Anchorage, Alaska where her fiancé, Rex McCombs, was stationed. They married there on December 1, 1951. After Rex completed his service in the Army, they returned to Niles to build their home and their family. During her long life, she took pride in being a wife, mother, grandmother, and eventually great-grandmother, and was close to her sisters, and her in- laws, and her many nieces and nephews.
While at home she spent time cultivating her flower garden and enjoyed learning about the birds that are native to the Michiana area. She spent many vacations camping and traveling with her husband and children, who have fond memories of visiting American wonders such as Old Faithful, Mt. Rushmore, and Mammoth Cave. She drove the Alaska Highway, and overseas with family she visited Paris and then Switzerland, where her mother was born.
Doris was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, as well as her parents and his parents, and all of her wonderful, colorful sisters- and brothers-in-law. She was also preceded by her little brother, Burrell Norman High in his boyhood, her step-father Burrell C. High, and great-grandson James T. Newman.
Doris is survived by her children, Cynthia Newman of Houston, TX; JB (Grace Menzel) McCombs of East Lansing, MI; Amanda McCombs of Asheville, NC; and Eric (Veronica)
McCombs of Niles; her sisters, Jeannine Gregory and Loreen Fries; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Contributions in Doris’ memory may be made to the Jay and Cecile McCombs Scholarship Fund (for Brandywine High School graduates) in care of Michigan Gateway Community Foundation, 107 W. Front Street, Buchanan, MI 49107.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Noon at Brown Funeral Home in Niles, with lunch to follow immediately after. A time of visitation will precede the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com
The family expresses its heartfelt appreciation to Anita, Lisa, and Lashond of Caring Circle Hospice, and long-time visitor and friend Lea Snyder.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.
Services
Visitation
Saturday, March 7, 2026 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120
Funeral Services
Saturday, March 7, 2026 12:00PM – 1:00PM
Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120