Manuela "Nellie" Baca Leyba, went to be with the Lord entering eternal rest on June 24, 2024 at her home surrounded by love and her family. Born February 27, 1921 to Julio and Josefa Baca making her 103 years at the time of her passing. The oldest of 8 siblings, helping her parents raise them and continued throughout her life. She touched many, many lives with her compassion and the urge to help others. No one left without receiving a blessing or a copy of her favorite prayer. Strong in her beliefs, morals and strong in her faith. Her saying was "Good will and a prayer." She was an advocate for the mentally ill, which came about helping to open the first Behavioral Unit at Gila Regional Medical Center. Her saying "First in Mind" She was artistic, a painter, a wonderful cook and baker, and loved to garden. The last tia (aunt) on the Leyba's family. Became a mother/grandmother to so many others Max Madrid, Alfonso Cisneros, Tina McBride, Chris Medina, Jacob Chacon.
She is survived by her two daughters Cecilia Garcia (Alfredo), Julie Medina; her two sons, David Leyba (Linda) and Joaquin (Sylvia); her nine grandchildren, Sonia Lucero, David Jr.(Tama), Jacob, Gabriel (Liz), Patrick (Christina), Peter (Dom) Leyba, Jason, April (Victor) and Andres Medina; her sixteen great-grandchildren, Henry & Mark Garcia, Justine (Estvan) Lucero, Josiah, Donavon, Gabriel and Noah Abree, Alexis, Hunter, Isaiah, Josiah, Elijah Leyba, Jason, Joseph Medina, Tereza and Samara Acosta; her four Great-Great grandchildren and great-great-great grandchildren, twins on the way. She is also survived by her two sisters, Maria Chavez and Esperanza Silva; her God-children, Lucille Rosa, Frances Torres, Patty Altamirano, Frances Mendoza; her numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and friends who she loved. Preceded in death by her parents; husband Magdaleno Hernandez Leyba, Jr.; her four brothers, Tomas, Ben, Julian and Alberto Baca; her two sisters, Frances "Kika" Orosco and Josie Baca; her grandchildren, Dominic and Gilbert Lucero and Alfredo Garcia, Jr.
Visitations will be held Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 5:30pm-6:00pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the Holy Rosary commencing at 6:00pm, recited by Deacon Bill Holguin. The Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 9:30am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, officiated by Father Oliver Obele. Following the mass, she will be laid to rest at Fort Bayard National Cemetery, with her beloved husband, Magdaleno. Pallbearers are Ray, Peter, Patrick, Isiah Leyba, Mark Garcia, Andy Medina. Honorary pallbearers are the rest of her grandchildren.
She will be deeply missed, our angel in heaven.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com .
