Amelia “Amy” Creel

Amy Creel passed away after a short illness at her daughter’s home on February 7, 2023 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Amy was born in Wagon Mound, NM, on December 3, 1927, to Olmedo & Elauteria Leyba. She moved to Albuquerque with her sister Marie in 1954. On a blind date in 1957, she met her future husband, Orvis. During their adventurous 59-year marriage, they founded and grew Desert Paper & Envelope and a real estate development company.  Amy and Orvis were partners through and through. Their time together was highlighted by their passion for traveling abroad and throughout the US in their motor home.

Amy was a dedicated wife and mother - attending every baseball, YAFL, and softball game her children were in. As Orvis became more active in the Ballut Abyad Shrine, she was constantly by his side, supporting the Shriner’s mission to care for children. 

After Orvis’ passing in 2016, Amy moved in with her daughter & son in law, Ella, and Sonny, where she continued her active lifestyle.  She loved to tell her friends and caregivers, “…until the pandemic hit, I was still working and driving.”  

After retiring in March 2020, Amy continued to travel to see her Grandchildren in Maryland, Virginia, and California. When great-grandchildren came along, meeting them was immediately on her agenda.

Amy is survived by her younger sister Marie Borteck, children Bruce (Deanna) Creel, Gary (Antoinette) Creel, and Ella (Sonny) Leeper, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Gate of Heaven Cemetery Chapel.

Rosary: 10:15 am

Prayer Service: 11:00 am

Internment: Immediately following

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Transportation Fund of the Ballut Abyad Shrine Center

6600 Zuni SE, Albuquerque, NM  87108