Renae Leffler

Renae Lynn (Kliebe) Leffler, 78, of Mahomet, Illinois, passed away August 26, 2025, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois after a ten-year journey with Alzheimer’s. Up until the end, Renae maintained her love of family and friends and lived a life full of wonderful experiences.

Renae was born in Rockford, Illinois, an only child to Virgil and Genevieve (Garavalia) Kliebe on November 23, 1946. She was the apple of her father’s eye, with a strong will and adventurous spirit from the start. Renae received a Business of Science degree in elementary and special education from Illinois State University in 1968 and a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Illinois in 1983. She spent 30 years teaching 4th and 5th grades at Lincoln Trail Elementary in Mahomet. She retired in 2006, having made a difference in thousands of children’s lives over her exemplary career.

Renae met her future husband, Ralph J. Leffler, at Illinois State University in 1967. They married in June of 1968 and had a loving and supportive marriage for over 57 years. Together they raised two equally strong-willed children, Jennifer (Mark) Hilton, and Nicole (Tim) Wise. Ralph and Renae traveled throughout their lives and had many adventures together.

Renae was preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her mother, husband, children, and her two grandchildren, Shelby Grimwood and Byron Winkle, who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.

Renae was an incredible baker and cook. She delighted in preparing dishes to share with friends and family and could always be counted on to bring the tastiest treat to any gathering.

Even in her diminished state near the end of her life, Renae quickly made friends at her memory care facility, where she was happiest when they gave her a task to complete and treated her like a member of the staff.

Renae will be remembered for her kindness, unwavering work ethic, and devotion to her friends and family. She cherished her many friendships, with several lasting her entire lifetime. Her spirit will live on in all who knew her.

Renae’s Celebration of Life will be held at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Mahomet Chapel 1102 Churchill Rd. 61853 on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 2 pm to 5 pm with “Remembrances of Renae” at 2:30 pm.

Arrangements have been made at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Mahomet Chapel 1102 Churchill Rd. 61853.

Please join Renae’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com