Lorene Stepp Combs, affectionately known by all who loved her as “Cricket”, passed peacefully on July 18, 2026 at the age of 81. Born on March 4, 1945 in Booneville, KY, Cricket spent most of her life in the community of Beattyville that she loved and called home. She lived a life defined not by worldly accomplishments, but by the immeasurable love she gave so freely to everyone blessed enough to know her. She was the devoted and loving wife of Jimmy Combs. Together they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, family and unwavering love. She was an incredible mother, a proud grandmother and a cherished aunt who loved not only her son and granddaughters but also many nieces and nephews she considered her own. To know Cricket was to know unconditional love and a heart that always had room for one more. A faithful servant of the Lord, Cricket was a devoted member of Ida May Bible Church and lived each day as a reflection of her strong Christian faith. Her kindness, compassion and quiet strength touched countless lives and her unwavering trust in God was evident in the way she loved and cared for others. Cricket found joy in life’s simple blessings. She loved camping and crappie fishing alongside her husband and son, treasured Tuesday evenings spent crafting with her sisters and found great happiness in being Grandma. Her granddaughters were the light of her life and nothing brought her greater pride or joy than watching them grow and surrounding them with love. She was preceded in death and joined in eternal salvation by her Mother Maggie Gross Stepp and her Father Ovie Stepp. One sister Lola Stepp Dooley of Irvine KY and her Brothers Arlie Stepp of Booneville and Jimmy Stepp of Breathitt County.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband Jimmy Combs. Her son Byron (Brittany) Combs. Her granddaughters Samara and Jaycee Combs. Her sisters Gertie Burch (James), Edna Stewart (Ronnie), Mary McIntosh (Willis), Brenda Allen (Manford Jr.) Diana Wilson (Tommy) all of Booneville KY. Two brothers Ratchet Kenneth Stepp (Mona) of Pike County and Dewey Stepp (Sally) of Booneville Ky along with several cherished nieces and nephews.
Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we find comfort in knowing that Cricket’s legacy lives through the countless lives she touched. Her love, generosity, faith and gentle spirit will continue to guide and inspire her family for generations to come.
Services held Wednesday July 22, 2026 at Booneville Funeral Home. Booneville Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
