Nan Wolfe

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Mrs. Barbara Ellen “Nan” Wolfe, passed away on Thanksgiving, November 23, 2023, at home with her husband Bob by her side, surrounded by the love of her friends and family that she had built there, after a brief battle with cancer. Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday.

Barbara was born November 1, 1948, in Joplin, MO, the daughter of the late John and Donna Hardy. Barbara worked at Midcon in Joplin, MO until she “retired” after the birth of her daughter to care for her. 

After becoming Mom, she became Ms. Barbara, and finally Nan, after the birth of her first granddaughter, to countless children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that she has cared for over the last 41 years. 

Additionally, in 2001 with her loving husband she opened Always Buying Books and worked behind the scenes to help in its success. Nan never stopped watching children though and was still babysitting her youngest grandchildren when she passed.

Nan loved playing the slots at the casinos (especially with her daughter, Bobbie), throwing darts (lately over the phone with her son, Jim), watching her shows, caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren (her favorite activity was baking pies and cakes with them), and spending time with her family. Her greatest joys were holidays and birthdays when the family would come together and celebrate.

Nan is remembered, loved, and survived by her Husband of 51 years Robert Bob Wolfe; Son, Jim Fort and wife Kandy of Carl Junction; Daughter, Bobbie Peron and husband Mark of Joplin; Grandchildren, Lincoln Gleason and husband Ryan of Carthage, Marley Shallenburger and husband Kody of Asbury, Maxwell Fort of Carl Junction, and Mason and Fenton Peron of Joplin; Great-Grandchildren, Stratton and Vaughn Gleason, and Katie Shallenburger.

Additionally, she is survived by her Brother, Jim Hardy and wife Kathy; Sister Marsha Templeton and husband Jerry, nieces, nephews, cousins, and all the children whose lives Ms. Barbara touched.

Nan was an amazing matriarch and woman who was taken from this Earth too early, she is dearly loved, and will be forever remembered and missed by so many. A celebration of her amazing life will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, at the Joplin VFW Post 534, 110 E Veterans Way, Joplin, MO 64801, where family and friends will eat, throw darts, and remember Nan. 

If your life or the life of your child was made special by Ms. Barbara/Nan you are encouraged to come remember her life and share stories about your time with Nan and the wonderful woman she was.