Leslie Marie (Miller) Stuba

Leslie Marie (Miller) Stuba, 72, of Newark, IL passed away on January 11, 2026 at Northwestern Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb, IL after a long cancer journey. Cremation services have been conducted, and a memorial gathering will be held at a later date.

Leslie was born to James (Jim) and Ann (Babe) Miller on August 18, 1953 in Springfield, IL. She was the youngest of three daughters. Leslie cherished her childhood memories of riding horses around the neighborhood, competing in barrel races, and living above the restaurant her parents owned. Leslie graduated from Bradley University in 1975 with a degree in Elementary Education. She left her mark at Bradley working in Residential Living, and it led her to meet her husband, Bill. Leslie and Bill loved to reminisce about their college years and continued to take trips with fellow Bradley alumnae, Leslie’s sister, Margaret Coy, and their friend, Judy Mysza.

Leslie and Bill married on May 24, 1981. Leslie told funny stories about her job in advertising working in downtown Chicago, including figuring out the Metra. In 1983, they welcomed their first daughter, Rachel. They welcomed their second daughter Emily in 1986. Simply put, Rachel and Emily believe they’re the most fortunate of kids to have had Leslie as their mom, and while the limits of this piece don’t allow for all the proof, they could write tomes on the subject.

Leslie returned to her love of horseback riding in 1994. Since then, her horses Sonny, Joe, Jim and Ted surely felt just as fortunate to have her as their cowgirl. Leslie worked as a school aid and substitute teacher where she had an unmatched ability to connect with all types of kids, always helping them feel seen and understood. She also appreciated good music whether that was while attending concerts, on the car radio, sitting on the porch, or playing with her horses. Her life’s soundtrack reflected her beliefs, like how “the glory of true love is a wild and precious thing” (John Prine).

Upon retirement, Leslie and Bill moved to a log home in Newark, IL where their horses could be just outside the front door. Leslie volunteered in countless capacities throughout her life, but most recently spent many years sharing her time and talents to provide therapeutic equine activities.

Leslie is survived by her husband, Bill, daughters, Rachel Lutz (David) and Emily Richards (Travis), grandchildren, Leah, Reed, Scarlett, and William, and sister, Margaret. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Babe Miller, and her sister, Barb Miller.

Leslie will be remembered for being a selfless and thoughtful friend as well as for her sense of humor, love of animals, sense of adventure, and steady strength of character.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Equine Dreams or another charity that inspires you to live life to the fullest and pay it forward, like Leslie always did.

Cremation rites were entrusted to Turner-Eighner Funeral Home. For more information or to sign the online guestbook go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com

Turner-Eighner Funeral Home

1310 W. Rt 34 ~ P.O. Box 404

Somonauk, Illinois 60552

815-498-2363