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.
Lee will be greatly missed by her many friends.
I will always remember Lee for her kindness, her personal encouragement in nursing, and her approachability. She was so easy to talk to talk to, and you always left a conversation feeling listened to and more confident. She was always willing to reach out to help in any way. You would forget she was a CEO because of her humility and left feeling you had a friend in your corner. She had a beautiful spirit for others.
Lee was a good friend for over 60 years, sharing wonderful evenings with our husbands, monthly luncheons with old friends, ,spending hours for years making baskets for Keyway (CWIT) Gala’s. Dear Lee will be sorely missed sharing all the simple, fun times together.
Rest in peace Lee with dear Garry.
Lee and I were classmates at Avila. At school we began a life long friendship that included laughs tears and many precious moments. We were roommates when we taught at Avila. Lee was the cook and I cleaned our apartment. After we got married we stayed in touch and as the children got older we enjoyed many wonderful travels. Even after my husband died Lee and Garry included me on some of road trips as well as many international trips. In later years we would go back and forth between KC and St. Louis. I will miss her and our visits and conversations.
Lee and I were friends beginning at Avila and continued the rest of our lives. Our families became friends including Mr and Mrs Stoll coming to visit us on the farm prior to school starting in the fall. The city folk were intrigued by the farm noises during the night. Lee’s mother and my mother came to visit me in Augusta GA. We took a road trip to Charleston, Savannah, and Atlanta.
I enjoyed many family and friends gatherings and celebrations. Lee and Garry were special people.
I am so saddened by the passing of Lee who I’ve known for for 57 years. We worked together at SLUH and shared an office on the fifth floor. I was always proud to be a friend of hers. God rest her soul.
Lee was one of my nursing instructors 53 years ago and later I worked with her when she was the Director of Nursing at SLUH.
She was intelligent, compassionate, supportive, had a warm smile and was the epitome of an excellent nurse.
I like to think that I carried part of her as I practiced as an RN for 48 years. I will always be grateful for having known her.