Delores E. Coombs

Delores Elaine Coombs, 84, of Gilson, Illinois, died at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois.

Delores was born October 28, 1940 in Galesburg, Illinois, the daughter of William Jonas and Ruth Irene (Olson) Peterson. She attended ROVA Schools. Delores was working at A&W Root beer in Galesburg, when she met Theodore William Coombs. They were married on December 15, 1961 in Moline, Illinois. Delores is survived by her husband of 63 years, Ted of Gilson; two sons, Bobby (Denise) Coombs of Salem, Missouri and Sam (Kerstin) Coombs of Gilson; three daughters, Debbie (Jr.) Lester, Tracey (Danny) Brown, Sherry (Scott) Reynolds all of Gilson; one brother, Donald Peterson of Gilson; and one sister, Mary Tarr of Camden, Delaware. Delores is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Delores was a faithful and longtime member of New Life Baptist Church, where she served as church treasurer for 25 years. She is past president and member Haw Creek Twp Cemetery Board. Delores was active in Knox County Genealogy and loved to crochet. Delores was talented in the kitchen, loved to bake cookies and treats. Every Christmas she enjoyed giving away tins full of goodies. She was also known for her famous pumpkin bars and homemade caramels. After their retirements, Ted and Delores moved to Wyoming for 10 years, where she worked as a cook for an outfitter. Over the years, Delores enjoyed watching many of her grandchildren in her home.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 24, 2025 at New Life Baptist Church, 1232 W. Fremont St., Galesburg, with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Darrell Grimm will officiate. Burial will follow at New Windsor Cemetery, New Windsor, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or New Life Baptist Church. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.