Ricardo M. Leyva passed away on September 17, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born in San Elizario, El Paso County, Texas. He resided in Tolleson, Arizona for 67 years. Ricardo married Reina “Elvia” Mendoza August 16, 1958. They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary in August 2025.
Ricardo is survived by his wife Reina, Children Lupe Bandin (George), Mary Leyva, Richard Leyva (Gloria), Eloisa Dolores Lopez, grandchildren Patrick Apolinar, Valerie Marlene Leyva, Yesenia Walsh (Martin), Alicia Olvera and great grandson Owen Santiago Walsh.
Ricardo worked as a laborer and delivery supervisor for Mickelson and Ray Vault Company for 38 years. In the 1980’s, he, along with his son Richard, brother Luis Leyva and Compadre Andy Padilla, established Leyva Products Company, providing concrete horse water troughs to ranchers and rodeo arenas throughout the state of Arizona.
Ricardo was an assistant coach for Westside Little League and a devoted member of Blessed Sacrament Church in Tolleson, Arizona. He was a kind and loving husband and father and helped family, friends and neighbors alike.
