OBITUARY

Joan Catherine Wells of Cuba, MO, formerly of St. Clair, MO departed this life in Cuba, MO on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, having reached the age of eighty-four years, eight months and eight days. Joan was born in Camden, NJ on May 27, 1941, daughter of John Francis Schmutz and Anna Martha Schmutz nee Alexander. As a young woman she was united in marriage and blessed to have one son.

Joan is survived by her son, John Wells, Sr. and wife, Brandi, of Sullivan, MO; by her grandson, John Wells, Jr. of St. Clair, MO; by her special cousin, Larrain Shaw; by nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, John and Anna Schmutz; by her brothers, John F. Schmutz, Joseph Schmutz and Anthony Schmutz; and by her sisters, Anna Marie Schmutz and Marge Delbertis.

Joan was a Christian of the Catholic faith and longtime member of St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair, MO. She loved going to church, hardly ever missed a Saturday or Sunday mass and was especially devoted to working at the KC Hall for their fish fry, as well as the church picnic every year. Joan was a member of Daughters of Isabella, St. Clair Circle 1082. During her working career she was employed as a customer service associate for F.W. Woolworth, as well as Acme Markets. Joan enjoyed going to the St. Clair Senior Center and playing bingo, listening to music, dancing, going fishing, doing crafts and going to Branson. Joan also enjoyed watching her son race on the dirt track. She was a loving and caring person that was very outgoing and outspoken, and would help anyone and everyone she could. Joan cherished the time she spent with her son, daughter-in-law and especially her grandson. The love they shared and many precious memories they created together will be held dear in their hearts forever.

A kind and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, great and great-great-aunt, cousin and treasured friend, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Monday, February 9, 2026 and after 9:00 AM Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair, MO, with Father Pete Blake officiating. Interment will be in Crestview Memorial Park in St. Clair, MO. Masses are preferred.