Josephine (Mecham) Crosby

Josephine Crosby, 80, passed away peacefully at her home in Cowley, Wyoming on May 22, 2026, with husband Rodney, her best friend of over sixty years, by her side.

To the family and friends she leaves behind, she was “Josephine,” “Aunt Josephine,” “Grandma Josephine,” and of course, “Mom.” But as a lifelong teacher, most people know Josephine either as “Mrs. Crosby” because they were in her class at school or “Sister Crosby” because they were in her class at seminary or church. More than an occupation or even a career, “teacher” was part of her identity; it was what she was born to do. She began teaching English at Lovell High School in 1977, where she taught for nearly forty years. Well after her official retirement, she continued teaching seminary and Sunday school along with substitute teaching in public schools as often as possible. Her wit and liveliness made learning fun. It is not easy to persuade fifteen-year-olds to find Chaucer amusing and Shakespeare entertaining, but somehow, year after year, she managed. Beyond imparting her knowledge of English literature, however, Josephine’s clear desire to connect with her students as people, motivated by her care for them, left an indelible impression on nearly every student she taught. She cared deeply for her students, so she was always willing to go the extra mile for them—because that’s just what she did when she cared about you.

Outside of the classroom, Josephine preferred to be on skis or the back of a horse. Born on September 15, 1945, in Aspen, Colorado, Josephine’s immediate family were all active skiers, and the Aspen schools released students early on Wednesdays to go skiing. During the summers, as the family trailed across their sheep operation, Josephine and her younger brother following like just another little pair of lambs, she also learned to ride a horse. She raced competitively in high school and college and competed on Brigham Young University’s ski team, where she was also the first freshman the university had ever hired to work as a ski instructor. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from BYU, and later earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

Josephine’s remarkable ability to love her students reflected her devotion to her Savior and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She was a steadfast member of the Church and held many callings, but the mark of her devotion was truly manifest in the countless hours she spent serving others. Josephine focused on being a considerate person in the truest sense of the word as she observed the people around her, anticipated their needs, and did what she could to meet them. Many have been on the receiving end of a visit or meal from her, and her service is an inspiration to her family.

Of the many things Josephine cared about so passionately, if anyone asked her what she cared about the most, she’d answer without a moment’s hesitation: her family. She met her future husband her first year at BYU, although at first, their relationship was platonic. Her frustrated father stoically informed her that she was in love with Rodney, to which Josephine responded, “No, I’m not, he’s just my best friend.” As her dad might’ve predicted, Josephine married her best friend. Together, they raised four boys, Brett, Casey, Chris, and Scott—all of whom, to her delight, also chose to raise their families nearby.

Never a passive observer, Josephine loved to ride and work livestock on the family ranch, and she continued riding with her family as she and Rodney raised their sons. Anytime someone even thought they might get on a horse, she wanted to be there doing her part—which, of course, included making sure none of her children (then grandchildren) starved to death along the way. Her stubborn endurance ensured she kept pace with cowboys half her age well into her seventies, working just as hard and as long as anyone else. Although she took pride in her riding abilities, what she really liked best was spending all day in the saddle chatting with one of her children or grandchildren while they worked together. She was an enthusiastic and loving grandma who adored watching her grandkids grow, and she remained surrounded by family for her entire life. Josephine’s absence will be all the more evident because of the presence she has been in our lives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clive and Ada, along with her older brother Clive Raphael and younger brother Dale.

She is survived by her husband Rodney; their four sons and daughters-in-law, Brett (Desirée), Casey (Julia), Chris (Krystal), and Scott (Valerie); fifteen grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Cowley Monday, June 1, on 2:00 pm.

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