Sandra "Joan" Denton

Joan was born December 12, 1939, in East St. Louis, IL to Bueford Oscar and Hilda Mildred (Thompson) Bequette. She married Robert Denton Sr. on December 12, 1956; he preceded her in death on February 7, 2000.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Tammy Hill; sister, Hilda Jane Wolf; and brother-in-law, Jim Fowler.

Joan is survived by her loving family, including her children, Carla (Gary) Warning of Smithton, IL, Robert “Bobby” (Lisa) Denton Jr. of Shiloh, IL, Pamela (Tim) Montgomery of Columbia, IL, Brett (Debbie) Denton of Belleville, IL and Noelle Hahn of Maplewood, MO; son-in-law, Jimmy Hill of Belleville, IL; grandchildren, Cassie (Marcus) Merritt, Kelsey (Matt) Klaus, Corey Hill, Jesse (Kelsey) Hill, Amber Denton, Alex Denton, Leslie (Zach) Range, Lindsey (Nick) Sakinsky, Danielle Denton, Maddie (Ben) Hesse, Samuel Hahn, Nicholas Hahn, Grace Hahn and Mariah Simmons; great-grandchildren, Cedella, Marley, Addison, Gunnar, Gavin, Amelia, Kendall, Poppy, Peyton, Nixon, Emersyn, Harlyn, Ava, Amaiya, Leiland, Armani and Santino; siblings, Marjorie “Jean” Fowler of Kansas City, MO and Gerald Wayne (Carol) Bequette of Albers, IL.

Joan truly lived life with joy and love at the center of it all. She had a deep love for the St. Louis Cardinals and rarely missed a chance to cheer them on. Whether watching a game at home or visiting Busch Stadium, her Cardinal pride always shined through.

She treasured her trips to Branson, enjoying the shows, the music, and the memories made along the way. Music filled her life — from classic country favorites to rock ‘n’ roll and everything in between. If there was a song playing, Joan was smiling, singing along, or tapping her foot to the beat.

Joan also loved shopping — whether it was finding the perfect gift for someone she loved or treating herself to something special. She found happiness in the simple pleasures and shared that happiness generously.

Above all, Joan loved her family. She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with her children who will forever hold her memory close in their hearts. Her laughter, her love of music, and her vibrant personality will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

A visitation for Joan will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 10:00 A.M.- 12:00 P.M. at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.

A funeral service will be held following the visitation, at 12:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Final interment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.

Memorial donations in Joan’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association or to HSHS Home Care & Hospice.