Aug. 24, 1945 - Oct. 2, 2025
Date of Service: Oct. 11, 2025
Watch the Webcast
TWIN FALLS - Larry Ralph McCombs, an 80-year-old resident of Twin Falls, passed away on October 2, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family, just eight months and one day after his eternal sweetheart.
Larry was born on August 24, 1945, in Burley, Idaho, to Ethel Velora (Hacking) McCombs and Ralph Andrew McCombs. He grew up in Heyburn, Idaho, on the family farm. Larry has four siblings: older sister Sharon Lu Quast (deceased), younger brother Fredrick Andrew McCombs, younger brother Michael Roy McCombs (deceased), and younger sister Kellie Ann Rekow.
Larry learned early the value of hard work growing up on the family farm. He loved to tell stories of sleeping on the porch with his brothers during cold winters, tucking warmed stones at their feet to stay cozy. Bath time was equally memorable - taking baths in front of the wood stove in the kitchen. He was close to his parents and siblings and remained so his entire life. They enjoyed many family reunions, camping trips, monthly lunches, and frequent phone calls.
Larry enjoyed playing sports, and recently shared a few stories from his youth. He was the fastest runner in his sixth-grade class. He played baseball every Sunday afternoon on the farm, and he played church basketball instead of school ball so he could be a starter.
Larry earned his Eagle Scout, which would set the stage for his many years of scouting throughout his life.
Larry served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Hill Cumorah, New York State Mission. He had many faith-promoting experiences, including participating in the Hill Cumorah Pageant. During his mission, Larry was involved in a car accident and injured his knee, preventing him from future military service. Throughout his life, he served his country, his community, and his church in countless ways, including decades of dedication to Scouting, youth leadership, and church callings.
After completing his mission, Larry had only one goal in mind: to see the gal who had written him love letters throughout those two years. Ginny Denton wrote faithfully, even slipping in a “Dear John” once, but Larry never paid it any mind. He went to her aunt and uncle’s home, where she lived, only to find she was visiting a friend. Her aunt called her to come home, and when Ginny walked in the front door, she was surprised to find Larry had returned from his mission. She ran around the house, and Larry caught up to her near the back door—and the rest, as they say, is history.
Larry and Virginia Lee “Ginny” Denton were married for time and all eternity in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple on February 2, 1967.
Larry’s first career was in the grocery business, including working for his parents’ grocery store, Mac’s Market in Heyburn, Shelby’s in Burley, Albertsons in Burley and Elko, Nevada, Swensen’s in Paul and Rupert, and Ridley’s in Rupert and Gooding.
Larry and Ginny resided on the McCombs family farm in Heyburn when they were first married and welcomed their daughter, Andrea Gail, who was named after Larry’s grandparents, Andrew and Abigail, and lovingly called Andee. A year and a half later, their oldest son, Larry Clay, was born, who was named after his dad. He is called Clay, but is known for “Livin’ Life Like Larry”. After a couple of years, the family moved to Elko, Nevada, for four years and then back to Burley, Idaho, right before their next son, Brant Desmond, was born.
They spent a few years back in Heyburn during the 70s, where Larry and Ginny owned and operated the family grocery store, Mac’s Market, where they had originally met. It was a family-run business. Andee recalls standing on an upside-down milk crate at a young age to ring up groceries, and Clay kept busy sweeping the floor and stacking pop bottles into wooden crates. Brant was just a toddler, but the whole family was often there together. Larry’s parents lived right next door, where the family could pop over for a visit, and his mom would often come over to the store and help wrap meat.
The ‘Mac’ in Mac’s Market is short for 'McCombs', and Larry and Ginny both called each other 'Mac' throughout their marriage. Larry also served as City Councilman for the City of Heyburn during this time.
The family made their way to Paul in the mid-80s. Around that time, their youngest son, Corey James, was born, and their family was complete. They moved to Rupert for a short time, and then eventually to Twin Falls, where they resided for over 35 years.
Larry worked for a spell at Cain’s Home Furnishings in Twin Falls in the delivery department and quickly figured out how to start his own business after learning the ropes.
Larry and Ginny owned and operated Magic Valley Express - a moving and delivery company established in 1996 and based in Twin Falls. Their mom-and-pop company grew to be very successful, with business throughout the western United States and beyond. His first delivery was a set of tires, but the business grew into many high-end clients, including famous actors, musicians, and many Fortune 500 business owners. He delivered art, antiques, custom-built furniture, and many unique and valuable pieces.
Larry’s two youngest sons, Brant and Corey, started working with him as teenagers and have carried on the moving business tradition with their own companies in Twin Falls and Boise.
Larry’s work ethic was unmatched. He believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing well, and he proved it every day. Whether it meant long hours, heavy lifting, or figuring things out as he went, Larry approached every task with determination, pride, and a can-do spirit. He wasn’t one to quit until the job was done, even if it meant burning the midnight oil to make it happen.
Larry dove into the world of Scouting in 1987 and never looked back. He participated in his first Wood Badge leadership training as a member of the Raven patrol and became the first Raven in the Snake River Council, earning him the affectionate nickname “Papa Raven.” Larry went on to serve as Course Director for both Wood Badge and National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) - including leading the Wood Badge course twice, a rare honor and a testament to his leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment. He later continued to guide new generations of Scouters as a Course Advisor several times. All three of his sons followed in his footsteps as Ravens themselves, serving as participants or staff at Wood Badge and Junior Leader Training (JLT), proudly carrying forward his love of Scouting and service. Over the years, Larry was recognized with some of Scouting’s highest honors, including the Silver Beaver Award and the Sentinel Award, acknowledging his exceptional service, leadership, and lifelong commitment to youth and community. His influence lives on in the countless Scouts and leaders he mentored, the friendships he forged around countless campfires, and the legacy of service, laughter, and integrity he leaves behind. With a life of service well lived, Larry has completed his final ticket.
Larry loved to serve people, and it came naturally to him. In a 2003 Christmas letter from his son-in-law, Kevin, he shared a story about standing in line at a grocery store on Christmas Eve behind an elderly, deaf couple. They didn’t have enough money to pay for their groceries and were trying to decide which items to put back. Larry stepped in and paid the rest of their bill, and the elderly lady hugged him with gratitude. This is just one example of the many ways Larry has helped people throughout his life.
One of Larry’s favorite ways to serve was transporting supplies to Girls Camp. He would load his trailer, drive everything to camp, and make sure it was all unloaded and organized, always going the extra mile to help the camp run smoothly.
Larry always had a warm, friendly smile and enjoyed visiting with people. Everywhere he went, he would see someone he knew and would say, “I went to school with them”. He always waved to people driving down the street by lifting his index finger off the steering wheel. His daughter recalls borrowing his truck once, and everyone around town waved at her.
Larry also had a wonderful sense of humor. His favorite joke to share was his “imitation of a duck”.
One of Larry’s favorite places to be was in the mountains. He loved to camp, fish, ride motorcycles, and sit around the campfire. The McCombs extended family had a long-standing tradition of camping every Labor Day weekend - usually north of Sun Valley. He looked forward to the annual father and sons camping trips with his sons, grandsons, brothers, dad, and the occasional niece. He and Ginny also went camping with the Welch family and their famous homemade root beer.
Larry’s favorite place to be was with his wife, kids, and grandkids. Whether it was going to the mountains, traveling, gathering for a meal, or just visiting - that was his happy place. Larry and Ginny celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their kids and grandkids at Disneyland in 2017. They were married for 58 years.
Larry recently celebrated his 80th birthday with many friends and family in attendance, which brought him immense joy, and he talked about it frequently until his passing. Ultimately, he missed his sweetheart beyond measure, and his family takes comfort in knowing their parents are now reunited and watching over us.
Larry was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings, including Stake Young Men's President, Bishopric Counselor, and as Branch President of a Young Single Adult Ward, where he loved getting to know all of the members.
Larry is survived by his daughter, Andrea Andrus (Kevin), of Boise, his three sons, Clay McCombs (Jennifer) of Twin Falls, Brant McCombs (Amy) of Twin Falls, and Corey McCombs (Jesseca) of Meridian; eight grandchildren, Cody McCombs (Brittany), Jessica Fife (Jason), Jordan Ward (Cayleb), Kennedy McCombs, Rowan Andrus, Dallas McCombs, Bennett McCombs, and Desmond McCombs; eight great-grandchildren, Rilynn McCombs, Kinley McCombs, Luke Ward, Kollyns Ward, Crew Ward, Jettson Fife, Hudson Mangum, and Everleigh Mangum; his brother, Fred McCombs (Jeanette) of Burley; his sister-in-law, Maxine McCombs of Star; his sister, Kellie Rekow (Mark) of Emmett; and his sister-in-law, Lisa Blacker of Rupert.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia Lee “Ginny” McCombs; his parents, Ralph and Velora McCombs; his sister, Sharon Quast and her husband, Harold Quast; his brother, Michael McCombs; his in-laws, Richard James and Anetta Virginia Denton; his brother-in-law, Richard Denton and his wife, Patricia O’Connell Denton, his brother-in-law, Lanny Denton and his wife, Pamela Denton; one niece; and two nephews.
He also cherished his angel-baby grandchildren, who were always in his heart and were met with open arms on the other side, waiting for him with their grandma/oma.
The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at Hospice Visions for their loving care, as well as to the many people who visited, called, and brought in meals. Andrea and Corey would like to thank their brothers, Clay and Brant, for the countless ways - both seen and unseen - they’ve shown up with love and care for their parents during these past several months.
The funeral will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. MDT at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 847 Eastland Drive North in Twin Falls, Idaho. Family and friends will be received from 10 until 10:45 a.m. on the day of the funeral, and from 5 until 7 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the church.
Interment will take place at the Riverside Cemetery in Heyburn, Idaho, with the dedicatory prayer at 3:00 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/TiVpuiDQ_xs.
Arrangements are under the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.
