Obituary of Loy Carolyn Guy

Loy "Merle" Combs Guy, age 85, of Vilas, passed away Friday, April 15, 2022 at her residence. She was a native of Watauga County and the daughter of the late Rufus Clyde and Mary Victoria Guy Combs. She loved working in her vegetable garden, especially growing heirloom tomatoes, and sharing her bounty with her family and friends. Merle was a writer of poetry and books. Her novel "Autumn Bends the Rebel Tree" received the Clark Cox Historical Fiction Award from the North Carolina Society of Historical Fiction. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 13 brothers; Dolph Combs, Jesse Combs, Paul Combs, Earl Combs, Albert Combs, Ralph Combs, Hollan Combs, Willard Combs, Walter Combs, Dallas Combs, Raleigh Combs, Burl Combs, and Kermit Combs. Also 3 sisters; Geniveve Farthing, Alma Trivette and Alice Combs. She was also preceded by her great granddaughter Tara Guy. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Guy of Vilas; and her son, Doug Guy also of Vilas. She is also survived by grandsons Terry Guy and wife Loretta of Vilas, Keith Guy of Trade, TN., Kevin Guy and wife Natasha of Ashe County, Steven Love and wife Jennifer of Sugar Grove, and Chris Love and wife Amber of Monroe, NC. Great grandchildren, Cody Guy and fiancé Katelyn Gragg, Hannah Guy Corbin and husband Brian, Taylor Guy Sluder and husband Evan, Jackson, Ethan, Ellie, Ava, Eli and Luke Love. Graveside services will be conducted Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in the Guy-Combs Cemetery, with Preacher Eric Cornett officiating. Flowers will be accepted, and memorials may be made to the Guy-Combs Cemetery, c/o Reba Farthing, 231 Smith Henson Road, Sugar Grove, NC 28679. The family extends a special thank you to Amorem Hospice, and friends and neighbors Wendy Ray, Cirina McClarin, Karen James and Ioana Childers for their assistance with the care of our wonderful mother. Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Guy family.