Steven Verl Coombs

Steven Verl Coombs died at his Fielding home on May 30, 2023.  Steve was born on April 1, 1951 to Verl and Melba Hurd Coombs in Tremonton, Utah. 

Steve grew up in Fielding with his sisters Cathey and Vickie working on the family farm and enjoying time with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  His family moved to Prosser, Washington where they helped operate a large wheat farm and horse ranch.  Steve graduated from Prosser High School where he played basketball and met his bride-to-be Connie Freepons, whom he married on June 12, 1971.  Steve attended Washington State University and received degrees in Biology and Business. 

Steve’s favorite job was raising cattle and hay on the Diamond C Ranch in Snowville.  He loved hunting and fishing and was an avid photographer, bird watcher, and cowboy poet.  He always had a good dog and a good horse.  His family enjoyed his cinnamon rolls, salsa, fruitcake (a recipe passed down by his Grandma Coombs), and dutch oven delights.

He is survived by his wife Connie, sisters Cathey (Bob) Petersen and Vickie (Jim) Stewart, children Michelle (Greg) Tippetts, Carmen (Michele Molinari) Coombs, and Matt (Casey) Coombs, and grandchildren Cailen, Annie, Grace, Claire, Benjamin, and Vivian.

Rather than having a traditional service, Steve’s wishes were to have his ashes spread in three of his favorite places:  Fox Hill in the family pasture in Fielding, Steam Mill in Logan Canyon, and Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley.

IN THE END

When the last gate has closed,

And I cross that last big river.

I’ll be just another old cowboy poised,

Waiting to enter that great gate in the sky with a big shiver.

We all have to answer for our lives and our songs.

For the way that we’ve treated our brother.

For the direction that our lives have gone.

For the way that we’ve lived with our earth mother.

In the end there are things that to only us matter,

And things that we have done that don’t make sense.

These all disappear like so much endless chatter.

We can only hope that in the end we’ve made a positive difference!

……Steve Coombs, Oct 2020