Michele Leyva

Michele Lynn (Haslid) Leyva age 34 of Terry, Montana went to be with the Lord January 13, 2025. She was born February 15, 1990 in Helena Montana- where she was adopted by Galen and Lynn Ann Haslid of Glendive, Montana. She was raised in and graduated from Glendive before moving to Billings to attend college. She married the love of her life, Peter Leyva October 11, 2015 in a picturesque fall ceremony just outside of Red Lodge, Montana.
Michele is survived by her husband, Peter and their children Elena and Luca. Nephews Kingston and Patriq Haslid, Xzavier Davenport, Jordan Velasquez, and niece Kaiella Velasquez. Her parents Galen and Lynn Ann Haslid, birth mother Shawntel Jackson. Her sisters Sara Haslid, Jocelyn Jackson brothers Joe Carpentier, Johnathon and Saxer Jackson. Her Mother-in-law Natalie Leyva, sister-in-law Juliana (Richard) Velasquez. Her soul sisters Shannon and Samantha Renskers. As well as, much extended family by birth, marriage, and adoption. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Isaac A. Leyva, and her brother Anthony Smith.
Michele was a charitable and empathetic soul. She cared deeply for others and accepted them for who they were. She brought her light to all as she exhibited kindness. She lived as an advocate for dignity and grace; working as an Activities CNA at Prairie Community Hospital for nearly a decade.
She was the epitome of an "introverted extrovert." She never wanted the credit or spotlight but she loved theater and acting. For a person who didn't want to be seen, she was sure dynamic in voice. She performed in many plays and took great joy in directing the Parched Prairie Players yearly play. She was passionate about reading. She was never seen without a book or two or three. It was not uncommon for her to finish 3 books a week. She could talk for hours about her favorite stories and characters. Michele loved a good riddle and she was pretty sure she could solve all written mysteries. Michele could also be found penning thoughts and fables of her own. She has boxes of prose and poetry that she was planning to publish.
One of the most endearing elements of Michele was her dedication to her kids. Whether it was baking them treats or leading the charge on a kids' activity; she lived for those moments. It was an event to see her read to her children with a full ensemble of voices, sound effects included. She had a special affinity for the local D&D group. She would join them for monthly games. She always laughed so hard during fast paced family games. She never claimed to be competitive but always seemed to find a way to win.
She had amazing wit. It was unwise to dual her with words. She was sharp and skilled. Michele championed good humor. She loved to laugh at bad jokes, good jokes, anti-jokes, and especially a good pun. She had a way of pulling you into the joy of the moment until everyone was laughing.
She spoke her own language of laughter, love, and passion. She was a marvelous wife, mother, daughter, and friend. Michele embodied a true example of a life well-lived.