Randyl McCombe Schelble, Ph.D.

April 11, 1950 - November 26, 2015

Randy Schelble passed away at home on November 26, 2015. She was born on April 11, 1950, to Harry R. and Marjorie Mackay McCombe. She married Raymond R. Schelble, Jr., on August 5, 1972, in Las Vegas, and for 43 years she gave him a far better life than he ever deserved.
An extraordinary student, Randy had a gift for taking academic concepts and effectively applying them to real world situations. She loved to teach. 
She graduated from West High in 1968 and earned her B.S. in English and Business Administration at Westminster College in 1972. Her career in education began at Granger High School as an English teacher. After a few years’ break to raise their kids, she went back to school to earn a Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Utah in 1987, which ignited a passion for helping children with disabilities and their families. She taught Resource at Cottonwood High, took a job providing teacher training with the Utah Learning Resource Center, then embarked on a career as an administrator in Granite and Salt Lake school districts. She received her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy in 2002 from the U  of U. At the time of her death she was employed at the Utah Professional Development Network, again working to provide support for special education teachers around the state. Her focus as an administrator was on serving students, supporting teachers, and managing program resources as best she could. She was a team player who was more interested in results than recognition, and her passion for special education never dimmed. Along the way she made many enduring friendships that she treasured.
But that’s not the major part of her story . . .
As accomplished as she was professionally, nothing in her life was more important than her family. A loving mother of two and doting grandmother of four, she had a gift for making the holidays a special time through her cooking and careful planning. Making Halloween costumes for her grandchildren every year was a year-long process. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh and tell stories. She also loved to travel, often planning her trips all over the world around visits to “dead people’s houses.” Randy was an avid sports fan, and followed major league baseball, the Utes and the Jazz with her family. 
Most importantly, Randy gave her kids and grandkids every opportunity she could. Education was supremely important to her, and she was proud of her family. Her home has a special warmth in it, and she could make anyone feel welcome, whether she had known you for years or just met you. 
Her philosophy was simple: work hard, do your homework, and love unconditionally, not necessarily in that order. She applied this to every aspect of her life.
Randy is survived by her husband; children Matt (Amy) Schelble and Suzanne (Ryan) Kimball; grandchildren Meredith, Hillary, Steven and Julia; sister Judy (Bill) Thiede; brother Larry (Linda) McCombe. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Memorial Open House will be held Wednesday, December 2nd from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, where complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building. A memorial service will be held the following day Thursday, December 3rd at 4:00 PM also at Starks Funeral Parlor. 
In lieu of flowers, Randy asks that donations be made in her name to: Utah Parent Center, 230 West 200 South, Suite 1101, Salt Lake City, UT  84101 (www.utahparentcenter.org).
She was honored and humbled by the outpouring of love and support during her final week. Thanks to all who reached out in so many ways. The family would also like to thank Dr. Werner, Dr. Soisson and their staffs, the staff at Huntsman Cancer Hospital and the Wellness Center, and Brighton Home Health and Hospice for the caring and compassionate care Randy received over the past 18 months.
 
 

In Loving Memory

My thoughts are with the Schelble family at this difficult time. Randy was a wonderful person and had a heart of gold. I have so many fond memories of doing homework at the Schelble house, making videos, watching tv, cheering on the Jazz, going to watch swim meets, eating popcorn, dinners at the Spaghetti Factory, going to movies, or keeping score at a Lady Utes gymnastics meet. I will never forget the time we searched high and low for an Applebee's in the Bay area or playing musical chairs at Hillary's birthday party. Randy loved her family unconditionally and that love extended to her friends and children's friends. She always kept up on the details of what was going on and who was where and doing what. Her warmth made me feel like part of the family. Thank you for your love and support, Randy, and for raising such amazing people, Matt & Suzanne. You will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

Clare Wallin

San Francisco, CA

Ray & family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Randy sounds like a wonderful person that made a difference in a lot of people's lives. I am sure she will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to you all. I never had the honor of meeting her but the obit told a lot about the kind of person she was. Take care and cherish all the wonderful memories you have with her. Dan Carrico Twin Falls, Id

Dan Carrico

Twin Falls, ID

I just came across a picture of Randy yesterday while looking at my son, Tim, wedding pictures. Young and vibrant as always. Randy was not only a teacher but a mentor to Tim and Todd. They are successful, in their employment, because she pushed them and knew they would conquer their LD's. She will always be remembered and loved by our family.

Gloria Barbee

Taylorsville, ut

Ray, we are sorry to see the passing of such a wonderful human being.she always went out of her way to talk to us after I retired.She will always be in our memory. Sorry to you and yours.

Sandy,Ruben Gallegos

nan, nan

I was so shocked to hear of Randy's passing. She was my Special Education Director in Granite School District. She always believed in me and was very supportive. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Joyce Crocker

Murray, UT

Matt and Suzanne, I met your mom at Granger High where we became best buds. She did her life on 3x5 cards, and not only was she superbly organized, she was also superbly silly. She was devoted to her McCombe roots, and she loved you two more than all the words possible from a genuine word-smith. We helped each other as young teachers and young mothers. I wish we had stayed closer than our annual Christmas cards. To your credit, every card was filled with news of you and your growing families. I loved your mama, Matt and Suzanne, and will cherish all our memories together at parks where we would joke about how superior our children were compared to all the other little kids. Then we'd look at each other and laugh because we KNEW what we said was absolutely true! Matt, you were my Ryan's first best friend. Suzanne, I was an extraordinary God Mother for a very brief period of time, and forgave you instantly for wetting all over me when I held you lovingly for the ceremony. Your mom and I went through a great deal together. I cherish her memory, and am saddened at her passing.

Barbara Springer

Riverton, UT

My sincere sympathies to Ray,Matt,Suzanne and families, Your all a tight family and life will prevail!

Charles Ray

Lake Park, GA

My thoughts are with the Schelble family during this difficult time. I have such fond memories of Randy and our fun times together. We enjoyed trips with our families to Snowbird, hikes in the mountains and breakfasts in Millcreek canyon. The garage sales were great fun and the log roller finally sold after several years. Randy was an excellent cook and we enjoyed the many meals we shared. She was my partner when we played cards. We got pretty good and even beat Ray and Jess a couple of times! Matt, Suzanne, Jess and Luke had so much fun while we played cards. Ray and Randy, you were so supportive and caring when Jess passed away and we appreciated your thoughtfulness. I will miss you Randy, my friend. I will always cherish our friendship. I wish you a peaceful journey.

Lynda Geddes

Salt Lake City, Ut

In Loving Memory

Send Your Condolences