Randyl McCombe Schelble, Ph.D.

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.