Stella Leslie, age 61, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Friday, May 8, 2015, at her home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley and surrounded by family.

Stella Marie Gordon was born July 6, 1953, the daughter of Harold Sr. and Christine (Clark) Gordon. Growing up, Stella attended Uran Country School followed by Mahnomen High School. On September 17, 1974, Stella was united in marriage to Steven Leslie Sr. in Mahnomen. Together they spent the majority of their married life in the Mahnomen area where they raised their family. Stella's sole purpose and role was one of a loving mother, grandmother and wife. However, she was employed by the sewing factory, Mahnomen American Legion and White Earth Food Co-op throughout the years.

Stella was a caring and loving individual with a great sense of humor. She loved being around family and spending time with her grandchildren. Some of her favorite pastimes included going to the casino, playing Bingo, Yahtzee and talking on the phone with her sisters in great length. She also enjoyed dancing and driving around sightseeing. Stella was a wonderful cook and hostess. She was known for her great hospitality and always being put together even as her health declined. She was always worried about everyone else and putting their needs before her own. The last couple years Stella's health began to deteriorate and she relied more on family and friends, especially her husband, Steve, who took exceptionally good care of her. She also formed a great friendship with Pastor Jackie Bernacchi and Gayle Rogers the past couple months. She will be missed by many.
Stella is survived by her husband, Steve, Mahnomen; four sons: Kenneth (Kellie Bo) Gordon, Rice Lake, MN, Christopher (Ursula) Leslie, Naytahwaush, Harold Leslie and Steven (Samantha) Leslie Jr., both of Mahnomen; two brothers, Harold "Butch" (Gladys) Gordon and John Gordon, both of Mahnomen; three sisters: Judy (Rod) Greene, Thief River Falls, MN, Lois Asher, Mahnomen, and Sandy Buckanaga, Duluth, MN; 23 grandchildren seven great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Kenneth and Donald "Ole" Gordon; one sister, Janet Roy; one grandson, Jordan Oppegard; and one great grandson, Andrew Lundon Jr.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 14, 2015, at 11 am at Samuel Memorial Episcopal Church, Naytahwaush, MN.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 13, 2015, from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at the Anderson Family Funeral Home, Mahnomen, and one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Burial will be in the church cemetery, Naytahwaush, MN.