Nancy Glahn

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Nancy Lee ‘Cosby’ Glahn, of Joplin, Missouri passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 16, 1951, and raised by her parents, Dr. Glenn Cosby and Ruth (Melton) Cosby in Miami, Oklahoma. She graduated in 1970 from Miami High School and attended Oklahoma State University. 

Nancy later made Joplin her home, where she built a life filled with family, faith and friendships. A devoted wife to her husband John who she married on February 20, 1971. She was the proud mother to Jason (Anastasia) Glahn and Allison (Bert) Hardin. Nancy’s greatest treasures were her family — especially her beloved grandkids Jonathan and Alexandria and her grand cats, who always held a special place in her heart. Since her children were 6 years apart, she spent many years volunteering with Stapleton School PTO and Book Reading Club. When the kids got older, she went back to work managing a retail service, as she had previous experience in retail apparel sales before starting to raise a family.

Nancy was a faithful member of Forest Park Church for many years and looked forward to serving as a Greeter on Sunday mornings. Her faith remained her foundation through every season of life, guiding her with grace and gratitude. Nancy faced life’s challenges with remarkable strength and courage. She battled hemolytic anemia for more than 20 years, requiring weekly lab visits, yet she never let it dim her spirit or her smile. Through it all, she remained steadfast in her faith and optimism — an inspiration to everyone who knew her.

She cherished the laughter and companionship of her lifelong friends. She truly enjoyed the lunch time ritual with friends at their favorite restaurants, Friday night card games with longtime friends, playing bridge with the girls and neighborhood gatherings for Chiefs, Missouri and Oklahoma State football games while laughing and sharing stories.

Before her travel was restricted due to health concerns she enjoyed traveling to the beach and visiting friends who lived in different cities.

Although Nancy did not play golf, she loved the Golf Channel and you could count on her cheering on her favorite US golfers from Thursday through Sunday. The NCIS shows were her favorite, she loved trying to solve the mysteries. She loved music (especially country) and faithfully watched the reality music programs.

Nancy was known for her boundless care and generosity. Shopping for that perfect gift for family and friends was her passion and she never let the pain stop her from those regular shopping adventures hunting for top brand bargains at her favorite store to earn that Kohl’s cash. She was very successful and would come home, lugging multiple sacks and showing John the great bargains she found. She loved seeing the surprise and enjoyment on the faces of her most treasured relationships.

She is survived by her husband John, her son Jason Glahn and wife Anastasia of Columbia MO, daughter Allison and husband Bert Hardin of Springdale AR, grandchildren Jonathan and Alexandria, sister Carol Leamon, brother Bill Cosby and sister-in-law’s Heather Cosby and Carol Meisterling, and brother-in law David Glahn.

She was preceded in death by her parents Dr. Glenn and Ruth Cosby, brother Wendelle Cosby and father and mother-in-law John and June Glahn and sister-in-law Vicki Hulet.

Nancy’s love, laughter, and faith touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her joyful spirit will live on through her husband John, her children Allison and Jason, her cherished grandchildren, her many friends, and all the lives she brightened along the way. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. She would tell us don’t be sad, celebrate my journey to eternal life in a new home with Jesus our Lord and Savior.

Services will be held at 10:00am on Monday, November 3, 2025 at Forest Park Baptist Church in Joplin with Pastor John Swadley providing words of comfort. A visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00pm on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Mason-Woodard Mortuary in Joplin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made to Mission Joplin or Freeman Cancer Institute in her honor.