Leota A. Asmus

Leota A. Asmus, of Rio Rancho, NM, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 9, 2022, four months after celebrating her 100th birthday with family. Leota was born in Chicago on Jan. 2, 1922, to Philip and Margaret Didier, who moved the family to Dania Beach, FL during the Great Depression. Leota was the third of five children. After moving to Miami, Leota married the love of her life, Hugo Carl Asmus in Sept. 30, 1943. Leota and Carl went on to have their first and only child, Philip, in 1944.

Leota worked at Jesu Catholic Church followed by working at a bank until 72 years of age. She devoted much of her life to evangelizing as a member of the Legion of Mary. Leota's love of God was apparent in everything she did and to all those she met. Throughout her life, Leota was known for her beauty, but her inner beauty is what stood out the most. She was generous with compliments and eager to pray for anyone that needed it, often asking complete strangers if she could pray with them if they were in need. She saw the best in people, and in doing so, brought out their goodness. Leota moved across the country at age 81 to New Mexico, where she lived independently until 100 years old with the help of her son.

Leota was preceded in death by Carl, her siblings, Eileen, Phil, Don and June. She is survived by her son, Philip; daughter-in-law, Ann; eldest granddaughter, Erica and husband, Bryan Otero, and great-grandson, Wyatt; youngest granddaughter, Kendra and husband, James Kaufmann; and her many nieces and nephews.

A Mass will be held on Friday, May 13, 2022, at 10:30 a.m., St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Rd, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. Leota will be laid to rest at Flagler Cemetery in Miami, Florida next to her beloved spouse.