Leona (Lee) Stoll Robben, age 85, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church. She was born on January 16, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Ernest Joseph and Ruth (Dempster) Stoll. Lee was a devoted Catholic and a proud, longtime member of Saint Justin Martyr parish. She was preceded in death by her only sibling, Pam (Lutz).
Growing up in St. Louis, Lee was surrounded by a large extended family and often enjoyed spirited gatherings. She pursued her passion for caring for others by attending Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri, where she majored in nursing. Lee dedicated her life to nursing, earning her master’s degree from St. John’s University in New York City and enjoying a long, successful career at Saint Louis University Hospital, culminating in her role as CEO. Her professional work was a natural extension of her innate caregiving personality.
Lee met the love of her life, Dr. Garry Robben, in St. Louis, and they were united in a marriage of 40 years. They were an inseparable duo, residing in St. Louis city for many years before moving to Sunset Hills.
She and Garry shared a love for travel, taking long road trips to visit family, with favorite destinations including Banff, Canada, and Alaska. Lee was a gracious and enthusiastic host, delighting in bringing people together for fun-filled events, including family barbecues, neighborhood block parties, and memorable New Year’s Eve celebrations. In her leisure time, Lee enjoyed watching Hallmark Christmas movies and other TV shows, was an avid QVC shopper, and enjoyed a competitive game of dominoes or Rummikub. She also kept up with current events and was always willing to engage in thoughtful discussion, offering her listeners the respect of hearing their point of view, even if she did not agree.
Lee’s greatest joy was her stepchildren and nieces, and their respective families. She cherished time spent with her cousins and their families, which included frequent holiday visits to Colorado and Texas, where she adopted a new interest as a part-time Denver Bronco fan.
A woman of great generosity, Lee supported many organizations, including those closest to her heart: the Serra Club, CWIT, Avila University, and numerous Catholic organizations.
Lee is preceded in death by her loving husband, Dr. Garry Robben; her parents, Ernest Joseph and Ruth Stoll; her sister, Pam Lutz; and her in-laws, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.
She is survived by her stepchildren: Michael Robben (Judy), Margaret Smith, Stephen Robben (Mary Alice), Peter Robben (Vicki), and Matthew Robben (Pati); her nieces: Amy (Dan) Heischman, Jenny (Tony) Walt, and Natalie Lutz; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 4 great-grandnieces and nephews; and 3 fur nephews.
Services: Visitation will be held on Friday, June 5th, at 9:00 a.m., with funeral services to follow at 10:00 a.m., at St. Justin Martyr, 11910 Eddie and Park Rd. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. A reception will be held at Friendship Village following the interment at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Serra Club of St. Louis.
A Kutis South County Chapel Service.