Consuela Leyva was born in Fort Davis, Texas to Jose and Cecilia (Doporto) Duran on April 7, 1940. At the age of 9 she moved with her family to Loving, NM. Later moving to McDonald, NM living with family until she married Sixto Leyva on June 20, 1960 in Lovington, New Mexico. In 1975 they made the move to Lovington, NM where she lived out the rest of her life. Connie led a life of service. If she wasn't being a caregiver for a grandchild, niece, nephew or family friend, she was volunteering her time with her church. She enjoyed spending countless hours at church helping with whatever function or fundraiser was going on. Connie was a devout Catholic serving several years as a Guadalupana, was part of the Teresitas group, and as an alter server for many years. Connie was famous for her bizcochitos. She was asked to make them for weddings, showers, quinceañeras, and any other function imaginable. There were very few functions that she attended that she didn't make a batch or two to bring along. Connie was willing to drop whatever she was doing or plans she had, to help someone with her time and service. Whether it be caring for a child, sick loved one, making a meal for someone, or serving at a funeral service reception. In her free time Connie loved to embroider, many family and friends were blessed to receive dish towels she spent hours and days lovingly embroidering. Jigsaw puzzles and spending time with friends and family kept her happy.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Jose and Cecilia Duran; her husband: Sixto Leyva; one granddaughter: Danielle Leyva; two brothers: Jose Duran and Manuel Duran; two sisters: Mary Duran and Delia Tena.

She was survived by her son: Alonzo and wife Corina of Lovington; one sister: Nancy Saldaña of Albuquerque; one brother: Juan Duran of Arizona; one grandson: Christopher Leyva (Christina); two granddaughters: Cynthia Hernandez (Rogelio Jr.) and Amanda Vela (Matthew); 7 great grandchildren; several nieces; nephews, and a host of " adoptive Grandchildren", as well as many extended family and friends that loved and cared for her as family.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Thomas Catholic Church with Father Samuel officiating. Burial will follow at Lovington cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Kirby-Ratliff Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Kirby-Ratliff Funeral Home Chapel with a Rosary at 7:00 pm.

Condolences may be sent to www. Kirbysmithrogers.com.