It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother and wife, Mercie Leyva.  After a three year battle with cancer she passed peacefully at home with her loving family at her side.  Mom was born in Chandler, AZ to Rafael and Francisca Villanueva.  She graduated from Mesa High School in 1957.  She married our Dad, Ruben J. Leyva on November 4, 1961.  In 1963 they moved to Douglas to work and make a new home.  Mom liked to keep busy cleaning house, cooking and making people happy.  She was especially known by all her children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews for her delicious beans!  She was the quintessential homemaker.  Mom also loved baseball and rooting for the Diamonbacks, a true fan.  Mom was a devout Catholic that prayed incessantly and loved the Rosary among many other prayers.  We take solace in believing that to be absent from the body is to be present with our Lord.  Mercie is survived by her husband of 58 years Ruben J. Leyva; her sister Ruth "Cuca" Arvizu; brother Adolfo "Fito" (Mary) Villanueva; children Mary (George) Sabin, Irma Mason, Ruben J. (Erica) Leyva; grandchildren Ted M. (Rebecca) Leyva, Cynthia (Eddie) Amezquita, Travis J. Mason, Jenise (Jose) Saavedra, Tyler Mason, Eric M. Sabin, Laci D. Leyva, Aiden Leyva, Ethan Leyva; great grandchild Emma Elizabeth Snow Leyva.  Mom was lovingly known as "Gerney" by all her grandchildren.  Mom was also survived by her sisters-in-law Alicia Ceballos, Francis Estrada, Estella (Mike) McNatt, Mike (Chuey) Leyva and many nieces and nephews who she also loved dearly.  A Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at St. Luke's Catholic Church.  A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated following the Rosary at 11:00 a.m.