Joan Lee (Scott) Dennis, 86, of New Haven, formerly of High Ridge, died Aug. 29, 2026. Mrs. Dennis loved being a mother and devoting herself to her family. Strong in her faith, she was a member of Holy Family Church in Port Hudson. She was known for her 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 from 1960 to 1984. She loved crafts and was an avid collector. She especially loved spending time at her home in the country, where she could relax and enjoy the peace and beauty around her. Born June 11, 1940, in St. Louis, she was the daughter of the late Leo and Velma (Shelton) Scott.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years: Jack Dennis, whom she married on May 2, 1959.
She is survived by four children: Leo Dennis, Jackie (Andrew) Gambill, Ann (John) Althoff, and Nancy (Bill Wilson) Frein; 10 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; and numerous other family members and friends.
She also was preceded in death by a brother: Charles Scott.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6300 Hwy. 30, in Cedar Hill. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 3009 High Ridge Blvd., in High Ridge. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Cedar Hill. Memorials may be made to Holy Family Parish-Port Hudson, 124 Holy Family Church Road, New Haven, 63068. Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill Mortuary.