Nancy (Hanks) Mowen Obituary

Nancy Susan Hanks Mowen passed peacefully on July 2, 2025, at age 79, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Born on May 22, 1946, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Susan was a tenacious prayer warrior, triumphant Scrabble champion, voracious reader, adept editor, Jeopardy aficionado, quick-witted author, and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt and grandmother. She loved to learn and was a participant in numerous Bible studies, even organizing her own chronological Bible for personal study over the course of many years.

Susan surrendered her life to the Lord in the fall of 1976. The following year, she joined the U.S. Center for World Missions. There, she met David, and they married just a few months later! Together, they devoted their lives in full-time ministry to reach the 10/40 window peoples: those without the Gospel. In 1988, their family grew with the adoption of daughter, Tabitha. Susan joyfully embraced her long-awaited role as a mother and took great delight in her daughter’s music. In 2017, her joy “doubled” with her daughter and son-in-law’s adoption of grandson, Easton and in 2020, “tripled” with the adoption of Bentley. She was a loving Grandma to both.

Susan and David’s life was continually marked by sacrificial service both in their church and home, where they served as host/hostess extraordinaire to countless internationals over a span of four decades, ministering to young people as they adjusted to life in the United States, and leaving a lasting impression on many lives. Susan had the joy of spending her last (and best, as she would say) years with David at Missionary Acres.

She is preceded in death by father, Stan Hanks; mother, Marilyn Cramolini; brothers, Joel and Scott Hanks (Nancy). Survived by brother, Steve Hanks (Janet); husband, David Mowen; daughter, Tabitha Odel (Jason); two grandchildren, one nephew, two nieces and many great-nephews, great-nieces and friends.

One of Susan’s favorite questions was, "What is your life verse?" Then she would share hers; Psalm 113:3: "From the rising of the sun to its going down, the LORD’s name is to be praised." As the sun sets on Susan's earthly journey, it is our privilege to rejoice with her in a life lived to the praise of her beloved Savior and we look forward to one day praising Him with her for eternity.

In lieu of a funeral, a memorial service will be held at Evangel Baptist Church in Silva, Missouri, at a date to be determined.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Nancy Susan Mowen. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com