Leah L. Duff, nee Washburn, age 51, of Belleville, IL, born on October 30, 1974, in St. Louis, MO, died on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO.
She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Stan Hudson.
Leah is survived by her loving husband, James Duff of Belleville, IL; her mother, Alice J. Hudson, of Glen Carbon, IL; her father, Rex Washburn of Ft. Myers, FL; her brothers, Rex (Sarah) Washburn of St. Louis, MO and Ross (Heidi) Washburn, of Arvada, CO; her sister, Shannon Washburn of Snoqualmie, WA; her niece and nephew, Theo and Jaia Washburn of St. Louis, MO; her best friend of 35 years, Amy (David) Peel and their daughter Emily Peel of Bunker Hill, IL; her stepsisters, Rhonda Hudson and Lynn Hudson; and her stepbrother, Ethan Hudson.
Leah lived her life with a spirit that was unmistakable—equal parts grit, humor, loyalty, and a touch of mischief. She was a woman who loved deeply, laughed loudly, and collected memories the way others collect souvenirs, with intention, joy, and a story behind every single one.
Leah found happiness in the simple things that made life rich. She adored her horse Jack, our dogs Polo and Stonewall Jackson, each one a companion who brought her comfort and laughter. She savored watermelon margaritas, devoured James Patterson books, and believed that the best days were spent with her toes in the sand and a drink in her hand. Her heart always drifted back to her favorite place on earth—El Dorado Royale—where she felt at home among her beloved Mexican family, soaking in sunshine, warmth, and connection.
Professionally, Leah dedicated many years to Loy Lange Box Company, where she worked in Customer Relations. She brought kindness, patience, and her signature sense of humor to every interaction, leaving a lasting impression on coworkers and customers alike. Her retirement marked the end of an era, but her impact remained woven into the fabric of the company and the people she worked alongside.
Leah’s life was defined by the people she loved and the memories she created with them. She had a gift for making others feel welcome, seen, and valued. Her presence could fill a room, and her laughter—sharp, contagious, and unmistakably hers—lingered long after she left it.
As Leah steps into the afterlife, we ask all family and friends who have gone before her to greet her with open arms, pour a shot of “Baby Jesus,” and welcome our angel the only way she would tolerate—by chanting LEAH, LEAH, LEAH until she rolls her eyes and starts cursing us from the other side. It’s exactly the kind of entrance she deserves: loud, loving, a little chaotic, and full of the people who adored her.
Leah leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, resilience, and unforgettable memories. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will continue to shine in every story told, every laugh shared, and every toast raised in her honor.
A special thank you to her friends and family, but especially Bill and Tucomi Vargo who made her journey more tolerable and fun.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Silver Creek Sports and Social from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.. In Leah fashion, please dress the part of how you know her or affiliated with (horses, golf, drinking, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day).
