Coleen Bingham Combe

Coleen Bingham Combe, 81, passed away on June 13, 2024, in Buhl, Idaho surrounded by her family.

Coleen was born in Ogden, Utah on March 27, 1943, to David L. and Avon Tubbs Bingham. In 1961, she graduated from Weber High School. Coleen then married George Combe on May 28, 1963, and together they had five amazing children. After she and George divorced, she then married Jim Eldridge in 1978 and they were married for a short period of time.

Coleen called Buhl, Idaho her home since 1980. Over the years, she had a variety of jobs in order to support her five children. One of her favorite jobs was her time spent working as an aide at Buhl Middle School. She loved to work with kids! She was an advocate for them and always tried her best to make each student feel special. When she left the Buhl School District, she worked a variety of jobs that allowed her to follow one of her passions: traveling. Her traveling took many places, but Skagway, Alaska always held a special place in her heart, and she considered it her 2nd home.

Along with traveling, Coleen loved photography and had many pictures of her scenic adventures. She was an avid cook and baker and shared her knowledge with those she cared about, both in teaching them first-hand, and by making cookbooks. Coleen was passionate about helping others, no matter what a person’s background or beliefs. She would tie quilts with her friends and family and give them to anyone she thought needed a warm blanket. Because she loved working with children so much, Coleen often bought school supplies throughout the year in order to donate the supplies to students in need.

Coleen had a love for bright colors, sweets, classic cars, animals- especially frogs, and reading. She always went the extra mile for people and had fun along the way. She was an incredibly sassy and creative woman who marched to the beat of her own drum, all while loving so many people around her. She will be dearly missed by so many people whose lives she touched along the way.

Coleen was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Marlene; and nieces and nephews. She is survived by her five children, Scott Combe, Blair (Deena) Combe, Coleen (David) Cline, Randy Combe, and Buffy (Rod) Netz; brother, David (Shonna) Bingham; nieces and nephews; as well as eleven grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the following: Dr. Bryan Mason; Megan, Kevin, and Beth at St. Luke’s Home Health for the great care; the many nurses and CNAs that cared for Coleen during her last hospitalization; Visions Hospice, especially Don and Taylor, for the compassionate and loving care that was provided; and the caregivers at River Rock ALF.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary donation to Idaho Special Olympics; PO Box 541; New Plymouth, ID 83655; or bring school supplies to the service to be donated to the Buhl School District.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, June 22, 2024, with a viewing beginning at 10:00 am, at First Christian Church, 1005 Poplar Street, Buhl. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Coleen’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.