Benjamin Benny Leyba

Benjamin "Benny" Leyba, 60 years old, of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on November 26, 2025. Born on September 7, 1965, to Isabel Garcia, and Benjamin Leyba, he graduated from West Las Vegas High School in 1983, then joined the Army National Guard, earning a certification as a sharpshooter and was trumpet player in the 44th National Army Band.
Benny was known for many talents. He played the trumpet and the guitar and was known for his craftsmanship and resourcefulness. He devoted much of his early life to building and restoring historic buildings on the Plaza in Las Vegas, leaving behind work that will stand for generations. He was also very proud of his work building homes for Habitat for Humanity.
He taught himself computer-aided design and was quite patient and generous in sharing such knowledge, mentoring others in learning the trades. He taught at the NM Boys School in Springer, Bernalillo Middle School and Santa Fe Community College.
Equally gifted as a mechanic, it was not unusual for him to stop to help strangers in need on the side of the road. He was the person to call when family, friends, and strangers needed help with their vehicles.
While talented in many ways, his true passion was for the outdoors. He was an expert golfer, hunter, fisherman, and he was the one that you wanted with you on a camping trip.
Above all, Benny loved his family- sisters, nieces, and nephews, his children and grandchildren and would give the shirt off his back to those he loved.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Isabel Martinez, father- Ben Leyba, step-father- David Martinez, his brother- Rudy Martin and sisters- Velda Leyba and Virginia Leger. He is survived by the mothers of his children; Lynn Valdez-Leyba and Gray Clarke, his children; Julia Vigil, Catherine Leyba-Morales, and Benjamin C. Leyba, his grandchildren; Zachary Abeyta, Caleb Vigil, Devonte Leyba, Layla Morales, and Riley Morales, his sisters; Barbara Leyba, Cathy Rojas, and Irene Roberts, as well as many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
He lived life boldly, on his terms, and just saw the work differently. He was a believer in Jesus Christ, and his faith was important to him. He has gone to be with our Lord and Savior and will be truly missed.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 1pm at Roger's Mortuary, with burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers Adam Lucero, James Roberts, Robert "Bobby"Lacour, Phillip Rael, Benjamin Leyba, Peter Sandoval, Richard Morales and Devonte Leyba. Donations and flowers can be sent to Roger's Mortuary.
Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.
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