ST. CHARLES, Mo. -- Joanna Louise Dennis, 83, of St. Charles died Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, at her home, after a battle with cancer.

She was born March 3, 1937, in Leslie, Missouri, to Wilbur Reid and Julia Suzanne Stroetker Caskey, the youngest of four children. Until she was married, her siblings called her "Dolly."

She married the love of her life, Jack Wayne Dennis, on June 2, 1956, at Cape Girardeau. Shortly thereafter, they made their home in Florissant, Missouri.

Joanna attended De Soto (Missouri) High School, Class of 1953, and then Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, where she met her husband. After their wedding, she stayed at home to support the family. She later received an associate from Illinois Central College in 1984.

Her new degree led to a career working as a draftswoman for Caterpillar Inc. in Mossville, Illinois. She retired in 1995 and moved to Cadiz, Kentucky, with her husband to a house overlooking Lake Barkley.

Survivors include her son, Clyde (Christine) Dennis of Clayton, North Carolina; daughter, Susan (Scott Turpin) Dennis of St. Peters, Missouri; brother, Bill (Delores) Caskey of Houston; grandchildren, Amanda (Josh) Blake, Lauren Dennis, Natalie Dennis, Jessica (Jonathan) Carter, Stephanie Long and Ashley Turpin; and great-grandchildren, Wayne and Jolene Blake, Caroline, Wesley, Dylan and Zackary Carter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Al (Nancy) Caskey; and sister, Mary (Don) Ingram.

There will be no visitation.

Graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at Cape County Memorial Park in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Jeff Long officiating.

Memorial contributions in Joanna's name may be given to 5 Acres Animal Shelter, 1099 Pralle Lane, St. Charles, MO 63303.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.