The family members and friend of Lisa Stebic showed their love for the missing woman Sunday as they, as well as members of the community, marked the one year anniversary of her disappearance.
"Our daughter was truly a remarkable gift, a blessing that we shall always cherish," said Judy Ruttenberg," Lisa Stebic's mother.
Whether they knew her or not, hundreds gathered to honor the missing 37-year-old Plainfield woman as a way to benefit a cause that was close to Lisa's heart, the fight against domestic violence.
"I've always felt really helpless every time I heard news about Lisa and her missing, " said Kelley Manges, who participated with the group.
"What they are going through is near to our heart, and I think we'll se a lot of support from the public today," said Dave Wetz of Plainfield Exchange Clubs.
It will be a year ago in the coming week that Lisa Stebic vanished without a trace. Investigators have called her husband, Craig, a person of interest. The couple was going through a divorce when she disappeared.
Detectives say the public could still give them the big break in the case they need.
"With them seeing the police presence out here, it will make them hopeful to come forward and give to us any information they have," said Detective Carrianne Segal of the Plainfield Police Department.
The long investigation is wearing hard on the family, who say they remain saddened by the separation from Lisa's two children.
"This is very, very difficult time. We haven't seeen these children in six months, and that is what is tearing us up even more," said Melanie Greenberg, the missing woman's cousin.
Lisa Stebic's case continues to be compared with that of missing Bolingbrook mom, Stacy Peterson, whose friends joined the event to show some of the support they often have received.
"What we're hoping is that while we are looking for Stacy and other missing people, we can support this family and maybe they can find Lisa," said Sharon Bychowski, Stacy Peterson's friend.
