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.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 AM
Tuesday January 21, 2025
Community Presbyterian Church
317 Logan Avenue
Terry, Montana 59349
Luncheon
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday January 21, 2025
Community Presbyterian Church
317 Loagan Avenue
Terry, Montana 59349
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 AM
Tuesday January 21, 2025
Community Presbyterian Church
317 Logan Avenue
Terry, Montana 59349
Luncheon
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday January 21, 2025
Community Presbyterian Church
317 Loagan Avenue
Terry, Montana 59349
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DeLynn and Angie Meidinger says
To all of Michele’s family:
We were so heartbroken to hear about Michele’s passing. We send hugs and prayers to you all. May God wrap his loving arms around you and grant you peace.
Cheryl Berry says
My deepest sympathy to the Leyva family. Michelle had such a wonderful empathy and compassion for the residents of Prairie Community Hospital. Working with her for 5 1/2 years, it was evident she had a kind and loving heart. She will be missed by Peter, her children, family, friends and the residents.
Jodi says
Peter and all of the family, words can’t express the pain you all are going through! Many prayers to you all ! ❤️
Peggy & Cedric Boese says
We loved Michelle…she was a gem…Always thinking of others. We continue to pray for her family that is left behind. May God hold you close to Him.
Ed and Wanda says
There are no words…
Our sympathies and love to you and praying for you as Jesus taught us to pray the prayer that never fails, “Thy will be done…”
May you find Him faithful and He give you ALL you need always.
Nancy Conlin says
Peter and family, how does one express the pain your hearts are going thru. I loved Michele as a great friend. I will truly miss her. My heart aches for you Peter, but I know God already has her in his arms and her spirit will always be here for you. God bless you all and I’m here for you.
Nancy Conlin says
Peter and family, there are no amount of words that can ease that pain in your heart. Michele was a great friend and I loved her. Just remember her spirit lives on and she is always here. God has another angel in heaven now. God will always be here for you and your family. My heart aches for you Peter and always know I’m here for you, my friend.
Bill & Aileen Kickert says
To Michele’s family and friends…
May the Lord embrace you all in His loving care during this most difficult time. Aileen and I will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers as you walk down this road, not alone, but with God by your side to comfort and sustain you. Hold on to all of the good memories of Michele and lean on each other.
Cheri Weidner says
Michelle was introduced to me by my daughter Staci when she inadvertently joined the lunch table belonging to a very eclectic group of thespians her freshman year at DCHS. From then on Michelle became known to us through many stories involving class plays, Speech & Drama meets and numerous adventures into the world of what was to become a great group of friends that included the new kid, fondly referred to as “Freshman Slave”. Michele also joined us on a trip to the Ft. Peck Summer Theater to surprise our daughter by attending one of her live musical theater plays. Along with Andrew F. the in depth discussion between my 3 return passengers was one I look back on as entertaining as well as extremely inciteful. Michele you touched many peoples lives deeply in your much too short time here on earth, and you will be greatly missed. Many prayers and heartfelt sympathy to her family and friends. Gold bless you all.
Cindy (Kotshegarow) says
So sorry for your loss. She was a sweet kid back when I was around years ago.
Stephanie Kaul says
LynnAnn,
I am so sorry for your loss. Let all your memories help you through this time of grief. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Sara Haslid says
I will never be able to thank michele enough for being a mom to the kids. She inspired me in so many ways. She never gave up, even when it was hard. I used to love doing Missoula children’s theater with Michele . We used to like to play jokes on our dad and yell out random numbers when he was trying to remember a phone number he looked up in the phone book. We used to climb trees and play outside until the street lights came on. We used to wait for my mom to get off of work at the hospital and watch judge Judy. I always thought there would be a day we could reconcile our relationship.. I love you sister. I love you so much