Joan A. Cosby, 82, Logansport, formerly of Pearce, Ariz., passed away at 4:32 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, at her residence in Logansport.
Born Jan. 1, 1927, in Hayder, Neb., she was the daughter of Frank William and Eula Shirley Plumb Ives. She was married in Benson, Ariz., on June 12, 1949, to Robert Eschol Cosby, who preceded her in death on April 9, 2008.
Mrs. Cosby graduated from Tilden High School in Nebraska and was a 1949 graduate of BIOLA. She was a faithful “helpmeet” in the home and ministry of her late husband, Rev. Eschol Cosby, a well-known evangelist in Arizona and the western United States.
For over 50 years she stood by him in his radio ministry, ministering to children, as he pioneered Christian television in Arizona and California. The Cosbys were widely known for their Western Gospel music group called the “Christian Cowboys,” which toured and appeared on television from the 1950s through the 1970s. Mrs. Cosby played bass fiddle in the group.
While in Logansport, Mrs. Cosby was a member of Faith and Family Baptist Church, pastored by her son.
The crowning glory of her life are those who “rise up and call her blessed.” Those include her son, Rev. Dr. Robert E. (wife, Kathleen Amanda) Cosby Jr., Logansport; daughters, Rebecca Elaine (husband, William Joseph) Miller, Payson, Ariz., and Cathrine Ann (husband, Michael Keith) Hoover, Orleans; grandchildren, Robert E. Cosby III, Beckisue Cosby, Monica Cosby, Dale Cosby, Rhonda Cosby, Jonathan Cosby, Amanda Cosby, Stephanie Cosby, Keith Hoover, Christy Garissi, Kevin Hoover, Kyle Hoover, Candy Boling, Kaleb Hoover, Bethany Keeton, Brian Miller, Brittany Joan Miller, Bradley Miller, Brent Miller and Breanne Miller; 25 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by four sisters and three brothers.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Baptist Temple with the Rev. Dr. Robert E. Cosby Jr. officiating.
Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Baptist Temple.
Burial will be in Cochise Cemetery, Cochise, Ariz.
The graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3.
Kroeger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences and personal remembrances may be placed online at kroegerfuneralhome.com.
