Joan Mary Bratcher Small died on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Although a diligent worker, Joan loved her time off, especially with family, and above all else, took pride in her four children and their love for her.
She is survived by her children, Karen (Beverly Winston) of Arlington, Virginia; Donna (Carol Tullock) of Festus, Missouri; Karla of Pacific, Missouri; and Greg (Katie) of St. Louis; three granddaughters, Alex, Stacie and Angie; and two great-grandchildren, Ella and Oliver; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Joan made her home with Donna and Carol for the last three and a half years in Festus, where she enjoyed visits from family and cherished her private time reading, watching TV and playing with her cat Buttercup and grandpups Cricket and Mr. Buttershaw. Indeed she loved good books, “bad boys” and current events. Her kids loved to call her when interesting news or salacious gossip was reported, because their mom wanted to break down the details.
Joan delighted in her retirement after years of grueling work for Southland Corp., then the parent company of 7-Eleven, and later St. Luke’s Hospital West.
She was notorious for her bad sense of direction. The highway sign “Last Missouri Exit” struck terror in her heart because it meant she would be crossing the Mississippi River into Illinois and who knew how to get home from there? Once when returning from a work conference in Springfield, Missouri, she and a colleague got on Interstate 44 to come home — except they went in the wrong direction and didn’t realize it until they reached Oklahoma.
Another time, while driving Karen’s car in Arlington, Virginia, she got lost and ended up near the Pentagon before she spotted a police officer parked on the side of the road. She pulled over and asked for directions, but the officer quickly figured out she was hopeless and offered her an escort most of the way back to Karen’s house.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Monday, February 16, at Kutis Funeral Home, Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois Road. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 17, with burial to follow at 12:30 p.m. in Cuba, Missouri.
To Donna and her siblings, my prayers are with you. I know today and the years ahead will be different, and I hope you find peace. You made a wonderful home for her, Donna with you and Wez and I hope that brings you contentment. I enjoyed Joan many times while visiting your home over the last decade and I always remember her smiling. I know she is at peace in heaven and peace is what I hope for all of you! Love Colleen (& Rick)