Cutting the main roots and removing the stump is less work than
chopping or cutting a foot off the top of the stump. Especially
if the stump is years old. Roots will be at least partly rotted.
For this job I like a pickaxe or a Pulaski. Get one and get it
sharpened.

An alternative is to lay simply stone around the stump and put
something decorative on top of it. Pot with a hanging plant?
Birdbath? Stone garden lantern?

Una