Nancy L. McCombs, 78, of Rock Island, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous four-year battle with lung cancer that ultimately metastasized to her brain.

Nancy was born on March 13, 1948, in Macomb, Illinois, the daughter of Curnie T. and Edith Hendrickson. During her elementary school years, the family moved to the Quad Cities, where she was raised as the youngest of eleven children. She attended Rock Island High School and, on February 19, 1966, married the love of her life, Billy E. McCombs, in Rock Island. Together they built a life centered on family, unconditional love, and unwavering devotion. Bill preceded her in death on November 23, 2021.

If there was one thing Nancy wanted to be remembered for, it was loving her family well. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and "Granny," whose greatest joy came from cheering on those she loved. Whether it was a ballgame, concert, school program, or any milestone worth celebrating, Nancy was there—offering encouragement, a warm smile, and unconditional support. She became an honorary mom/grandma to many of her children's and grandchildren's friends, opening her heart, home, and wallet to anyone who needed a little extra love.

Nancy was happiest with a cup of coffee around the kitchen table, surrounded by those she loved. She had a quick wit, a stubborn streak, and a heart big enough for everyone. Nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She celebrated each of their accomplishments with immense pride and treasured every opportunity to make memories with them.

Nancy's life was also marked by remarkable courage and resilience. She endured unimaginable heartbreak with the loss of two sons—Toby at childbirth and Brian in a motorcycle accident at the age of nineteen. After losing Bill, her beloved husband of fifty-five years, she faced her own cancer diagnosis with the same quiet strength and determination that had defined her life. Through every trial, her love for her family never wavered.

Those left to cherish Nancy's memory include her daughter, Shelly (Gary) Chapman of Eldridge, Iowa; grandchildren, Aaron (Amanda) McCombs of Bettendorf, Iowa; Breyana (Colton) Chenoweth of Eldridge, Iowa, and Courtney (Jeffrey) Moeller of Bettendorf, Iowa; seven beloved great-grandchildren: Ethan, Liam, and Mabel McCombs; Carter and Wyatt Chenoweth; and Harper and Ellie Moeller. She is also survived by her brother, Bing (Delores) Hendrickson of Rock Island; brother-in-law, Chuck Dinwiddie; sister-in-law, Ronnda McCombs; and dear family friends, Kitty and Leo Soto, Kenny and Cindy Bodeen, and Cassie and Maria Welchel, who became family by choice.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents; her sons, Brian and Toby; and her nine sisters.

Visitation for Nancy will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory in Milan. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 27, 2026 at the funeral home. Nancy will be laid to rest beside Bill at Rock Island Memorial Park.

Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing Nancy's greatest wish has been fulfilled—that she is once again with Bill and the sons she never stopped loving. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the kindness she freely gave, and the countless lives she touched simply by showing up, loving deeply, and putting others before herself.

To leave condolences for the family, visit wheelanfuneral.com.