Joanne M. Brettell, 92, of Brilliant, OH, passed away Thursday September 3, 2026 at Hope Cottage in Serra Village Retirement Community, Weirton, WV.

She was born May 29, 1934, in Louise, WV (Brooke County) a daughter of the late Joseph and Irene (Ragan) Havelka. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles R. “Chuck” Brettell, Sr. on November 5, 2011; and two sisters, Beverly Kemp and Irene Pursel.

Joanne graduated from Wellsburg High School in 1952. She was a devoted homemaker while her children were young and later worked for many years as the secretary at Buckeye North High School until her retirement. She was a member of Brilliant Christian Church and a few women’s card clubs in Brilliant and Wellsburg.

Surviving are three children, Charles R. (Debbie) Brettell, Jr. of Wintersville, OH, Jeffrey (Mary Ann) Brettell of Adams Twp., PA and Tammie (Randy) Spence of Wintersville, OH; a brother, Joseph Havelka of Follansbee, WV; seven grandchildren, Krista Kins, Jessica Brettell, Ryan Brettell, Scott (Brittany) Brettell, AJ Brettell, Jordon (Alyssa) Spence and Brooke (Jarret) Hockenberry; and five great-grandchildren, Gunnar, Chase, James, Hadley and Tate.

In following with Joanne’s wishes her services will be private. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Union Cemetery in Steubenville.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101.

Offer condolences at www.wheelerfuneralhomes.com.