Leah Marie Turnbaugh

Leah Marie Turnbaugh, 47, of St. Peters, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Evelyn’s House in Creve Coeur. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana. The Rev. Mike Atherton will officiate. Burial will be at the Edgewood Cemetery near Bowling Green. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, at the funeral home. Leah was born November 24, 1978, to Jerry and Debra Huckstep. She was married to Jon Turnbaugh on March 22, 2008, in Bowling Green. Leah is survived by her husband, Jon Turnbaugh of St. Peters; one son, Christian (Natalie) Huckstep of Beaufort, South Carolina; one daughter, Amelia Turnbaugh of St. Peters; and two grandsons, Cassius Huckstep and Zyaire Wade. She is also survived by her mother, Debra Huckstep of Louisiana; her sister, Cassie (Russell) Spangler of Clarksville; her brother, Jerod (Kendall) Huckstep of Clarksville; as well as many nieces and nephews. Leah was preceded in death by her father, Jerry Huckstep. Leah graduated from Clopton High School in Clarksville in 1996. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville in 2001, and an Associate of Arts in Computer Science – Programming from St. Charles Community College in St. Charles in 2022. Leah worked for Charter Communications for her entire career. She began in accounts payable, advancing through roles as a staff accountant, senior accountant, and, most recently, senior financial data reporting analyst. Leah’s faith in God and her love for Jesus shaped everything about how she served and connected as an active member of First Baptist Church in O'Fallon. She loved attending Bible studies, helping with plays, planning escape rooms, and serving on the hospitality committee. She didn't serve out of obligation, but she served because she loved her church family and ultimately wanted to serve God with them in all that He is doing there. Those who knew Leah knew to expect the unexpected in the best possible way. She was spontaneous, adventurous, and the kind of person who made things happen. Her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews knew her as full of energy and the one who always said yes to an adventure and could turn any ordinary event into something they would never forget. She found equal joy in quieter moments too, working outdoors, camping, caring for her chickens, picking blackberries, digging in the garden, or losing herself in a craft project with the same determined spirit. She was generous, selfless, and fully present for all who were blessed to know her. Pallbearers are Christian Huckstep, Jerod Huckstep, Russell Spangler, Carter Spangler, Jimmy Huckstep, and Mike Richardson. Memorials may be made to Edgewood Cemetery near Bowling Green or Evelyn’s House in Creve Coeur.

Leah Marie Turnbaugh

November 24, 1978 - February 19, 2026