Leonardita Elizabeth Romero Casias

Leonardita Elizabeth Romero Casias was born in Embudo, New Mexico, on October 28, 1927 to Juan Andres and Juanita Romero. She passed away peacefully among her family on a beautiful Saturday, November 2nd morning in Chamita, New Mexico. Known by most as Betty, she is preceded in death by her parents, Juan Andres and Juanita Romero; brothers Arturo and Elias Romero; sisters Carlotta Garcia and Marcia Casias; brother in law Ofene Garcia and sisters in law Celeste and Carolina Romero. She is survived by her brother Alfonso Romero and sister in law Lucy Romero of Aptos, California. She is also survived by Husband of 64 years Joe M. Casias and her children - daughter Mitchel Casias, son Elmer Casias, son Lester Casias and wife Annette, son Jonathan Casias and wife Melissa, daughter Louella and husband David Young. Grandchildren Anthony and Matthew Martinez, Joseph Casias and wife Angie, Elizabeth Young and great grandchildren Tony and Alexis Martinez, Joseph, Naomi and Andrew Casias. Betty fought the medical challenges that became a part of her life in recent years with as much courage and tenacity as she lived her life and sought accomplishments. Raised by a single mom following the death of her beloved father at a young age, she learned to face life with the faith, wisdom and sincerity she gathered from those early years in Dixon. Her quest for education took her to the Alison James Boarding School and Menaul High School, Northern New Mexico Community College and Highlands University, ultimately receiving her Masters Degree in Social Work. Betty Casias spent much of her life helping others. In addition to various volunteer activities in her church home, she was a social worker and worked as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Santa Clara Pueblo. Her smile and twinkling eyes are a lasting memory to those who encountered her. She shared her wonderful life stories with those lucky enough to take the time to listen. An early advocate for womens rights, she led by example as she sought higher education and in return served those that helped her. She will be missed by her family and friends. Services were held on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at Rivera Funeral Home in Espanola. A Celebration of Life was on Wednesday, November 6,2013 at Embudo Presbyterian Church in Dixon, New Mexico followed by internment with gathering of friends and family at Mission Embudo. This obituary is protected by copyright laws, unauthorized use or duplication is prohibited.