Hillis Combs Funeral Home

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Zanesville, OH
Hillis Combs Funeral Home

http://www.hilliscombsfh.com - Honoring the life of your loved one means you value the relations

01/12/2026

Our loved ones never truly leave us. 🕯️

We keep them close through stories, photos, and quiet moments of remembrance. We keep their memory alive with love.

01/10/2026

The Hillis Combs Funeral Home is honored to care for the Hale family.
Michael David Hale, Sr., 72 of Heath, died peacefully 4:38 AM, Friday, January 9, 2026, at his niece's Home in Zanesville, surrounded by his family. He was born Saturday, November 21, 1953, in Zanesville, the son of Theodore Hale and Myrtle (Holbert) Hale.

Michael served his country as a veteran of the United States Army. He retired from Kokosing Construction following over 25 years of service. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and was an avid mushroom hunter. One of Michael’s favorite pastimes were playing the lottery. Michael was also a member of the DAV. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his faithful four-legged companion, Corney.

Michael is survived by two sons, Michael Hale, Jr. and Duane Hale; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; three siblings, Virginia Smith, Forrest Hale and Barbara Howe; two sisters-in-law, Doretta Hale and Donna Hale; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and a host of cousins and friends.
In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his companion and partner of over twenty years, “his honey”, Reese Ferrell; three siblings, Rodney Hale, Raymond Hale and Gwendolyn Curtis, and two nephews, Monty Hale and Mark Hale.

Friends may call two hours prior to funeral services Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 11:00 AM till 1:00 PM, at the Hillis Combs Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, where services will follow at 1:00 PM, with Pastor Paul Bugglin officiating. Burial with follow in Woodlawn Cemetery with Full Military Honors conducted by VFW Post 1058. To sign the online register book or to send a personal condolence note please visit www.hilliscombsfuneralhome.com

01/10/2026

Healing takes time, and it’s okay to feel deeply, to rest, and to move forward at your own pace. Be kind to yourself—you’re doing better than you think.💙

01/09/2026

We’re deeply touched by the kind words shared by the families we serve.

Each message, each story, each thank-you is a reminder of why we do what we do: with compassion, care, and heart. Thank you, Karen, for trusting us during life’s most tender moments.💙

01/07/2026

Marjorie D. “Marge” Reese, 79 of Zanesville, died 12:50 AM, Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Genesis Morrison House Hospice. She was born Thursday, March 28, 1946, in Baltimore, MD, the daughter of Charles W. Wilson and Doris M. (Harris) Wilson. She married Anthony “Tony” Reese on June 29, 1968, and was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

Marge graduated from Ohio University with a Master’s Degree in Education, and spent her life dedicated to the many students she taught. She retired as an elementary school teacher from Tri-Valley School District following over 35 years of service. Marge loved to read, do Sudoku puzzles, and visit and lunch with her OFFEN’s group. She enjoyed yard work and tending to her flower gardens. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, and granny who greatly cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Marge is survived by her husband of over 57 years, Tony Reese; two children, Eric Reese and Beth (Ed) Kauh; five grandchildren, Claire Reese, Anthony Reese, Audrey Reese, Caroline Kauh and Adam Kauh; siblings, Karen (Jim) Prout, Alan (Carol) Wilson; several nieces, nephews, and cousins and her faithful four-legged companion, Tucker.

In addition to her parents, Marge was preceded in death by three siblings.

Friends may call Friday, January 9, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, at the Hillis Combs Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, where the Rosary will be recited at 6:45 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 144 North Fifth Street, Zanesville, with Fr. Donald Abii as celebrant. Marge will be laid to rest in Zanesville Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Marge’s memory. To sign the online register book or to send a personal condolence note please visit www.hilliscombsnestor.com

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! ✨

Thank you for trusting us with your families and letting us be a part of the most important moments of your life this year.

12/31/2025

Jacob A Ray, 32 of Zanesville, passed away at 5:39 PM, Friday, December 26, 2025, at Genesis Morrison House Hospice following a brief illness. He was born Saturday, June 26, 1993, in Zanesville, the son of James E. Ray and Vicki (Myers) Staffey.

Jacob was a graduate of Philo High School. He was an avid lover of music and previously played in a band where he was the guitarist. Jacob was a friendly outgoing guy who never met a stranger and was loved by so many. Jacob loved his family and passed knowing how much he was loved by them.

In addition to his mother, Vicki Staffey and his father and step-mother, James & Jennifer Ray; Jacob is survived by five siblings, Jesse Ray, Lauren (Colton) Hina, Joseph Ray, Jaci Ray and Victoria Staffey; three nieces, Aspyn Hina, Emery Ray and Avery Ray; his grandparents, Victor & Bev Myers, Charlotte Myers and Sharon Ambrose; numerous aunts, uncles and a host of friends.

Jacob was preceded in death by his grandparents, John Ray, Cynthia Lindamore, and Joseph Ambrose, and one aunt, Lisa Myers.

Friends may call Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, at the Hillis Combs Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville. To sign the online register book or to send a personal condolence note please visit www.hilliscombsnestor.com

12/31/2025

Pauline M. Croston, age 97 of Zanesville, died peacefully at 3:48 AM, Monday, December 29, 2025, at her home in Zanesville. She was born Tuesday, April 17, 1928, in Zanesville, the daughter of William Elworth Hill and Martha Ellen (Mayle) Hill. She married Edgar Croston who preceded her in death on Wednesday, April 20, 2005.

Pauline retired as a cook having worked 17 and a half years with Zanesville City Schools, and then retiring from Good Samaritan Medical Center following 17 and half years of service. She loved to cook, was a great cook, and her passion was feeding anyone who came to her home. She was a devout Christian, she read and knew her bible, and was a faithful member of Wings of Hope Tabernacle. Pauline was a longtime and well-known resident of Walnut Street.

Pauline is survived by three daughters Brenda Croston, Laura Croston and Ella Croston all of Zanesville; one son Robert W. Croston of Zanesville; three grandchildren, Edward Mayle, Jessica (Brad) Grimes & Ashley Croston; nine great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; a special friend who Pauline thought of as a son, Charles Croston and many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

In addition to her parents, Pauline was preceded in death by her husband; one granddaughter, Stephanie Mayle; one brother Thomas Hill; a half-brother Jethro Mayle and five sisters, Mary Hill, Catherine Louise Pettiford, Eva V. Dalton, Viola Goins and Nettie Dalton.

Friends may call for 10:00 AM to 12 Noon, Friday, January 2, 2026, at Wings of Hope Tabernacle, 709 Lee Street, Zanesville, with Rev. James Workman officiating. Pauline will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Edgar Croston in Woodlawn Cemetery. To sign the online register book or to send a personal condolence note please visit www.hilliscombsfh.com

12/30/2025

As the year comes to a close, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the families, friends, and neighbors who make our community so special.

Your trust, kindness, and support remind us every day why we do this work.
From all of us at Hillis Combs Funeral Home, thank you for letting us serve you.

12/25/2025

From our family to yours, we wish you a peaceful and warm Christmas.
May your day be filled with love, new wonderful memories, and the comfort of those who hold a special place in your heart.

Address

935 Forest Avenue
Zanesville, OH
43701

Telephone

+17404525494

Website

http://www.HillisCombsNestor.com/

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