Glenda Susan Nichols, age 71 of Ozark, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend to many, passed away surrounded by love on February 9, 2026. She was born December 10, 1954, to Glen Loyal and Mary Lee (Marley) Campbell.

Glenda married the love of her life, Ted Nichols, on July 30, 1976 at First Baptist Church of Ozark, where their membership remains. Together they built a life centered around family, dedication, and shared passions. She was a proud and loving mother to her sons, Brian (Kim) Nichols and Bradley (Kylie) Nichols of Ozark. She cherished her role as grandmother to her granddaughters, Rylee Nichols and Marley Nichols of Ozark, who brought her immense joy.

Glenda is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, Ted Nichols; her devoted sister and caretaker, Sandy McKee of Ozark; her nephew, Josh (Alexis) McKee of Ozark; niece Stormy McKee of Ozark; Uncle Roger and Alice Campbell of Ozark; her sisters in law, Maribeth Seaman (Dan) and Donna Nichols (Tom); along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends whose lives she touched deeply.

Glenda was preceded in death by her parents; and several aunts and uncles.

Glenda was known for her strong work ethic and dedication throughout her life. Over the years, she worked at Blansit’s Sale Barn, the Ozark License Bureau, Famous Barr, and Ozark Commission Cattle Company, which later became Springfield Livestock Marketing Center. She also worked alongside her father at Campbell Ford & Mercury Dealership, where she was proud to be part of the family business and serve her community.

From a young age, Glenda had a passion for showing horses. She competed across the Midwest and the South, forming lifelong friendships and memories within the horse community. Throughout the years, she proudly showed many special horses including her very first, Thunderbird, as well as Smoke Storm, Night Train, Dixie’s Jubilee, Delightful Romeo, WC Master Cool Jazz, WC Neon Cowboy, and Roll On Mississippi.

Glenda worked with many respected trainers throughout her career, most recently Abernathy Stables and trainer and beloved friend Edgar Abernathy. While she earned many blue ribbon rides over the years, one of her proudest and most cherished accomplishments was winning the 2023 O/A Novice Ladies on Stallions World Championship class at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark.

Funeral services will be held on February 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Chris Thixton at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, located at 504 West Walnut Street, Ozark, Missouri 65721. Burial will follow at Selmore Cemetery, Ozark.

Glenda will be remembered for her kindness, dedication to her family, strong work ethic, and the passion she carried for the horses and people she loved. Her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.

Donations in memory of Glenda may be made to the:

Walking Horse Legal Fund 

Please make checks payable to: 

Walking Horse Trainers Association, P.O. Box 61, Shelbyville, TN 37162 

In the memo please write: legal fund donation