By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
9 Comments
  • Visitation

    Memorial Visitation:

    Thursday, August 19, 2021

    4:00 to 8:00 pm

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL and

    Friday, August 20, 2021

    10:00 to 11:00 am

    Hope Lutheran Church, Highland, IL.

  • Service

    Memorial Service:

    Friday, August 20, 2021

    11:00 am

    Hope Lutheran Church, Highland, IL

  • Full Obituary

    Toby L. DeLuca, 45, of Highland, IL, passed away Monday, August 16, 2021, at home surrounded by her family.

    Toby was born November 9, 1975, to Robert and Christie (nee Featherston) Stephens, in Granite City, IL.  She married John DeLuca, on March 15, 1997, at Good Shephard Lutheran Church, in Collinsville, IL.

    She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, in Highland, IL.; where she also enjoyed working and helping wherever she could.

    Toby spread God’s love everywhere she went.  She was a great wife, mother, and daughter.  She wore her heart on her sleeve and put everyone else ahead of herself.  One of Toby’s favorite things to do was to donate blood, believing all the good that came from that one charitable act.  In her memory, the family asks, that you consider being a blood donor.

    She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Stephens.

    Toby is survived by her husband, John DeLuca, Highland, IL; mother, Christie (Joseph) Cange, Worden, IL; children, Alison DeLuca, Kylee DeLuca and Ashlen DeLuca, all of Highland, IL; brother, Jason (Marni) Stephens, Rochester, NY; niece, Liliana Stephens.

    Memorials may be made to Hope Lutheran Church, Highland, IL.

    Memorial Visitation: Thursday, August 19, 2021, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL and Friday, August 20, 2021, from 10:00 to 11:00 am, at Hope Lutheran Church, Highland, IL.

    Memorial Service:  Friday, August 20, 2021, 11:00 am, Hope Lutheran Church, Highland, IL

    Clergy: Rev. Scott Busacker, Pastor

    Interment: St. Joseph Cemetery

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

9 Condolences
 
  1. Tim and Ina Bowling / August 17, 2021 at 4:24 pm

    John,
    We are so deeply sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and hope Toby’s memory and legacy remains always with you and your girls.

  2. Lyle and Chris Buettner / August 17, 2021 at 5:39 pm

    Dear John and girls,
    We are still in shock to hear of Toby’s passing and are so, so sorry for your loss. Even though your family moved out of Collinsville years ago, we still remember all the fun times hanging out with the girls down at the soccer fields and at events at Good Shepherd School and Church. Cynthia spent so many fun days hanging out with Kylee at your home that she felt Toby was like her second mom. We love you all so much and pray that God will shower you all with his peace at this difficult time.

  3. Lori Ochs (Hoppes) / August 17, 2021 at 7:29 pm

    John,

    When dad told me this news, my heart just broke. I’ve been thinking about all of the great memories with Toby in high school playing volleyball and just being together. We had many wonderful times in those days. May God comfort all of you during this time. Sending love and prayers.

  4. Andy and Reina Vogeli / August 17, 2021 at 7:36 pm

    John,
    Praying for you and your girls! I hope He brings you Peace in knowing she is waiting with our Lord. Lord have mercy…

  5. Mrs. Pritchard / August 17, 2021 at 8:10 pm

    Alison, Kylee, and Ashlen,
    Your mom was always so kind and always ready to help out at Good Shepherd. You were blessed with a great mom! Prayers for you during this time. May God’s peace be with you –
    Mrs. Pritchard

  6. Robert Jacobs / August 17, 2021 at 10:05 pm

    Mr. John Deluca, Kylee, Ali, and Ashlen

    I, as well as my mother and father send our sincere condolences and prayers to your entire family regarding Toby. We can never prepare enough for a loved ones passing and is easily the hardest thing to go though. I am personally sending my hugs and warm embrace to each of you in this time of mourning. With all my love, Bert.

  7. Tammy Kirksey / August 18, 2021 at 9:27 am

    Ashlen, John. Ali and Kylee, so very sorry to hear this. We have so many wonderful memories from all the soccer games and tournaments with all of you and Toby. Though we haven’t seen you or Toby in quite some time, we still see memories pop up from time to time and it triggers a memory. May God bring you comfort in your time of need as you go through all of this. Hugs and prayers for all of you. Tim, Tammy, Callie and Becca Kirksey

  8. Robert Mayhew / August 18, 2021 at 9:27 am

    Alison, Kylee, and Ashlen and John

    My prayers are with you during these tough times!
    I pray these verses will bring comfort and peace to you!

    Isaiah 41:10 -This verse from Isaiah reminds us that, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

    Isaiah 66:13 – This verse proves that God fulfills that role of a comforter. “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.”

    God’s Peace be with you!

  9. Marci Little / August 20, 2021 at 8:19 am

    John and Girls- I was shocked to hear about Toby’s passing. I have great memories of her living next door to me as a child/teen. My parents and family sends love and prayers to you and your girls. RIP Toby.

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