Belia Maria Louise Leyba

Belle Leyba passed away peacefully on November 23, 2021, in San Diego, CA.

Her story began on November 28, 1927, when she was born to Guadalupe and Santiago Antunez in Peoria, AZ. The name on her birth certificate reads “Maria Luisa Antunez” and Belia was the name she was given at confirmation. However, she is remembered as Mom, Nana, Abuelita, Tita, and Belle.

Belle was the second eldest child. Her siblings, Santiago, Ofelia, Edie Berta, and Ramon predeceased her. Her “Sissy” Guadalupe, affectionately known as “Tia Lopy”, lives with her family in Arizona. Their family was close, they supported each other through difficult times and shared many happy times.

Growing up, Belle enjoyed roller skating, softball, journalism and art. In 1948, an era when few Mexican children went to school, much less Mexican-American girls, Belle was the only Mexican-American girl to graduate! One of the many accomplishments she would achieve during her lifetime!

After high school Belle met Ramon “Ray” Morales Leyba (1928-2007) and they were married February 22, 1950. Ray was the love of her life and they had four children: Ramon (Lupe), Jose (Debbie), Lucita (Dave), Robbie (David), 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Due to Ray’s health, they moved their family to San Diego, CA. While remaining close to their extended family and their compadres, they began to cultivate their new life in their new home.

In addition to being a wife and mom, Belle worked full-time outside of her home, and she found time to enjoy sewing, knitting and crocheting. She also loved her music and was know to turn up the volume while driving herself around town in “YA Amor”, going to art classes or to meet with her friends at Casa de Pico. Her commitment to her activities was equal to her devotion to the Virgen de Guadalupe, through faithful prayer of her Rosary every morning and night.

In the late 70’s, Belle pursued her interest in art. Belle began with private lessons and continued with adult education classes. She was a member of the Chula Vista Art Guild and the San Diego Washu-Kai Society. Belle enjoyed painting in all mediums and her passion was Sumi-e, Japanes ink painting. She was the first student of Mexican-American heritage in the San Diego Washu-Kai Society and received her omenjyo from Washu in 1991. She enjoyed the cultural exchange and sharing her heritage with her fellow artists. For more than 35 years, over Thanksgiving weekend, Belle could be found in Balboa Park, Casa del Prado, Room 101, at the Washu-Kai Annual Art Exhibition. Belle was an accomplished artist and the art she created is treasured by many.

Belle loved good food, champagne brunches, music, art, making the best tortillas (tortis), and most of all her Familia! She was so full of life and her spirit lives on though her family and friends.

Belle will be missed! As she would say, CIAO!

There will be a funeral mass on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.

Corpus Christi Catholic Church

450 Corral Canyon Road

Bonita, CA 91902

The family requests that those in attendance be fully vaccinated

Belle prearranged for cremation and her wish was for her cremains to be buried with her Viejito, Ray, at the Goodyear Farms Historic Cemetery in Litchfield Park, AZ.