Obituaries

Gloria Jean (Meadows) McCoy, age 87, of Union, Kentucky, passed away on April 14, 2026. Born on March 25, 1939, in Coxton, Bell County, Kentucky, Gloria entered this world before World War II in the coal-mining hills of southeastern Kentucky, from the humblest of beginnings. Adopted as an infant by Paul and Myrtle Meadows, she was raised in a loving home shaped by hard work, faith, and endurance. Her adoptive father, Paul Meadows, was both a coal miner and a lay minister, influences that formed part of the foundation of her early life.

Gloria was an enigma from childhood to the very end of her life, a woman not easily explained, neatly categorized, or fully understood even by those closest to her. She lived largely on her own terms, whether life offered little or plenty, and met it with a fiercely independent spirit. Though petite in stature, she carried a presence far larger than her frame would suggest. In personality, resolve, and resilience, Gloria stood larger than life. What she lacked in physical size, she more than made up for in grit, determination, and unmistakable character.

She was first married to Charles Edward Rankin, who preceded her in death. Following their divorce, she later married Robert McCoy, who also preceded her in death, leaving Gloria a widow.

If asked what mattered most in her life, Gloria would have answered without hesitation: her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. They were her greatest joy, her proudest accomplishment, and the enduring center of her affection. She loved and adored them immensely.

Gloria was not afraid of death. In fact, she embraced it. Though even she seemed surprised by the longevity of her life, she was a devoted Christian woman of faith who believed there was something beyond this life. In that spirit, the quote that perhaps best captured both her view and her spirit was this: "To the well-organized mind, death is but the next adventure."

She is survived by her children, William David Rankin, Jeffrey Dwayne Rankin, and Tamera Rankin Keller (Steven Keller); her grandchildren, Jennifer Rankin Webber, Andrew Rankin, Justin Rankin, Rachel Rankin, and Katelynn Kozbial; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, Paul Anthony Rankin; her adoptive parents, Paul and Myrtle Meadows; her former husband, Charles Edward Rankin; her husband, Robert McCoy; and several brothers and sisters.

She leaves behind a legacy of strength, independence, and enduring love for her family, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.stithfuneralhome.com