Valerie Erlinda Gutierrez-Leos, age 52, of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

Valerie was born on August 31, 1974, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Steve Gutierrez and Josie Jaramillo. She graduated from Valley High School in 1992 and continued her education at Central New Mexico Community College, earning an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and Development. Valerie achieved her bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.04 GPA.

For 29 years, Valerie dedicated her life to YDI as a teacher, specialist, and center director. Her passion for early childhood education was evident in her commitment to helping children learn and thrive. Valerie also served as a volunteer in the nursery at Legacy Church. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Valerie was an extraordinary person who loved capturing and creating memories. She enjoyed crafting unique gifts for her family, always infused with thought and love. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, from supporting the Dallas Cowboys to her affection for Mickey Mouse. Valerie was a steadfast presence for her family, cheering them on in both good and challenging times.

Valerie enjoyed playing cards and board games, traveling, camping, crafting, yard sales, and making memories with her family. Her selflessness and loving nature brought people together, making her a peacemaker with a heart of gold. She lived for her family, loving her spouse, children, and grandchildren deeply. Valerie was beautifully and wonderfully made, a faithful servant of Jesus Christ.

She is survived by her husband, Danny Leos Jr.; her daughter, Destyni Rose Apache and her husband Joshua; her son, Robert Corbin Padilla II and his companion Deja Sandoval; and her grandchildren, Jaxen Apache and Ares Akers-Padilla. Valerie is also survived by her siblings, Steven Gutierrez, Daniel Gutierrez, Darshelle Tafoya and her husband Miguel; and her stepparents, Joseph Jaramillo, Beverly Gutierrez, and Ernestine Gutierrez.

Valerie is preceded in death by her parents, Steve Gutierrez and Josie Jaramillo; her grandparents, Joseph and Betty Cordova, Pete and Helen Gutierrez; and her great-grandparents, Sotario and Deluvina Pacheco, Henry and Frances Cordova, Ignacio and Pauline Zubia, and Isidro and Lucy Gutierrez.

A celebration of her life will be held at Legacy Church East Campus, located at 4701 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Services are scheduled for Thursday, November 12, at 10:00 am, with a reception following at the same location. Flowers are welcome and can be delivered to Legacy Church East Campus by 8:30 am on the day of services, with stargazers being her favorite.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the caring and compassionate professionals at

Trujillo Family Funeral Home

"Our Family Serving Yours"