Frances "Joan" Glaser

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of (Francis) Joan Glaser, who died peacefully at home on October 27, 2025, in London Mills following a brief illness. Born on April 13, 1930, in Augusta, IL., she was the daughter of Francis and (Herbert) Joe Duncan. As a child Joan lived in a house owned by the coal mine and attended a one-room school on Route 116 near the Middle Grove tipple where her father worked. Her parents bought the family farm south of London Mills in 1942. She was valedictorian of the London Mills High School class of 1947. She earned her teaching certificate at Western Illinois University and spent her life devoted to the profession of teaching. She strongly believed that a free public education is fundamental to democracy. She also believed in life-long learning and graduated from Bradley University with a bachelor's degree in 1974. She retired from Spoon River Valley CUSD #4 in 1994. Joan had a passion for gardening, painting, reading, film, and traveling. She was strong in her faith and a stalwart supporter of the church. She loved her community. Joan was active politically and served several terms on the Fulton County Zoning Board of Appeals. She rebuked the politics of hate and faced it with the love of Christ. She greatly appreciated the support of the librarians at the Parlin-Ingersoll Public Library, Canton, IL., particularly in later years when macular degeneration took its toll on her vision. Well into her 80's, she mowed her own yard and the yard at the Methodist Church. She loved the Cubs and the Bears. She married Robert L. Glaser on August 27,1949 who preceded her in death on June 05,1989. She is survived by her three sons, Robert Linden of Galesburg, IL, Brian (Judy Thompson) of Athens, GA, and Matthew (Shelley Ellsworth) of Macomb, IL; five grandchildren, Natalie of Atlanta, GA, Jill (Tom Costello) of Brooklyn, NY, Lisa of Atlanta, GA, Kyle (Elli Anne Karras) of Pittsburgh, PA, and Brett (Lorna Edmondson) of Arlington Heights, IL; and two precious great grandchildren, Bobby and Sophie. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Patsy Duncan of Stony Point, NY and her only cousin Connie Wight of Williamsfield, IL. She had many loving and supportive nieces and nephews and served as matriarch of the family over the past generation. She was preceded in death by her sister Mary Duncan Osborn of Carlsbad, C.A. and brother Fred Duncan of Stony Point, NY. Visitation will be held at the London Mills United Methodist Church on Saturday November 1 at 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow at 12:30. The family would like to acknowledge the kindness of Dr. Krock and his office staff, the nurses at Graham Hospital, Compassus Hospice, and Heart & Home Health Care. Clugston Tibbitts Funeral Home of Macomb is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the London Mills United Methodist Church. You may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at Clugston-tibbitts.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frances "Joan" Glaser, please visit our floral store.