Joan Lee Dennis

Joan Lee (née Scott) Dennis, formerly of High Ridge and currently of New Haven, Missouri, was born June 11, 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri to Leo and Velma (née Shelton) Scott and passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at the age of 86 years. She is preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Velma (née Shelton) Scott; her husband of 65 years, Jack Dennis, united in marriage May 2, 1959; one brother, Charles Scott. She is survived by her children, Leo Dennis, Jackie (Andrew) Gambill, Ann (John) Althoff, and Nancy (Bill Wilson) Frein; grandchildren, David Dennis, Daniel (Bernadette) Dennis, Dasha (Nicholas Wheaton) Dennis, Sarah Dennis, Matthew Gambill, Nicole (Daniel) Golden, Allison Althoff, John (Nikki) Althoff, Mary Kate Althoff, and Andrew Frein; six great-grandchildren; along with numerous other extended family and friends. Joan found her greatest joy in being a mother and devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was a member of Holy Family Church in Port Hudson. Joan also had a generous heart and enjoyed giving back to others through her volunteer work with St. Vincent de Paul and through her church. Alongside her husband, she was proud to own and operate High Ridge Thriftway Grocery Store in High Ridge, Missouri, from 1960 to 1984, creating a place that became a part of the local community. Outside of her work and family, Joan enjoyed the simple pleasures that brought her happiness. She loved crafts and was an avid collector, always enjoying the excitement of finding something special to add to her collections. She especially cherished her time at her home in the country, where she could relax and enjoy the peace and beauty around her. Above all, Joan will be remembered for the love she gave as a mother, her caring spirit, her faith, and the lasting impression she made on her family and those fortunate enough to know her. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6300 Highway 30, Cedar Hill, Missouri 63016. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 3009 High Ridge Blvd., High Ridge, Missouri 63049. Interment will immediately follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Cedar Hill, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made on behalf of Joan to Holy Family Parish-Port Hudson, 124 Holy Family Church Rd., New Haven, Missouri 63068. Family and friends can review and share stories, photos and condolences online at www.stlfuneral.com and follow details of this event and others in the community at www.facebook.com/stlchapelhill.

Joan Lee Dennis

June 11, 1940 - August 29, 2026