Leona M. Carlyle-Kakar

It is with a sad heart that we share in the loss of our beloved mother, grandmother and aunt, Mrs. Leona M. Carlyle-Kakar who passed quietly on Sunday, April 14, 2024.

Leona was born on March 29, 1936 in Casa Grande, AZ. to Hiram John Carlyle and Tillie Barbara (Romo) Carlyle. Her siblings included brothers; Richard and Wilbert “Buddy” Carlyle; and sister JoAnn (Carlyle) Hulse.

Leona married Joe Kakar in Winterhaven, CA. on March 4, 1968. Together they enjoyed farming and ranching, while raising a blended family that included 16 children, over 110 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Leona also welcomed 5 great-great grandchildren.

Leona attended Maricopa Elementary and Casa Grande High School. She received her General Equivalency Degree in 1965. She served on the Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Council for 40 years. She served as council secretary, councilmember, vice-chairman and was the first female chairman to lead the community.

She also served as Ak-Chin Farm Board Chairman from 1965 until her retirement in 2016, at age 80. She was a fierce fighter for Ak-Chin’s Water Rights and gained national recognition for securing one of the largest water settlements for Indian Country. “I did my part getting water here.”

Under her leadership the Ak-Chin Indian Community was instrumental in obtaining the first water settlement of its kind for Indian Country; she helped the Ak-Chin Farms enterprise grow from a 4,000-acre operation to over 15,000 acres, making it one of the largest successful farming operations in the U.S.

She also played a key role in the success and growth of the Ak-Chin Indian Community; through her involvement in the opening of the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in 1994. “ We took our hayfield and planted a casino on it.”

Leona’s many years of community service significantly benefited and improved the lives of the Ak-Chin Indian Community membership. Her efforts and dedication to the Community’s infrastructure, educational opportunities and community service programs have been enhanced and new ones created. Most importantly, the cultural heritage and traditional values of the Ak-Chin Indian people have been protected and preserved.

Leona enjoyed reading, sewing, sudoku, solving the Dispatch crossword puzzles, watching her favorite game shows and golf, especially Tiger Woods and cheering for her beloved Dallas Cowboys. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and staying active in her Community.

Leona is survived by children; Charlie, Nancy and Carla Carlyle, Raychel Peters, Frances Kakar, Denise Goins, Cecelia Davis, Delsey Kinnard, Joseph Kakar, Thomas Kakar, Ann Marie Antone, Delita Nunez, Anita Zapata, Wendy Wagner and numerous godchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings; daughters Teresa Delsi and JoAnn Huskey, son Gregory Kakar and grandchildren; Tyrone and Charles Isaac Carlyle, Michael Garcia, Jr., Jasper and Rope “Vijina” Justin.

LEONA’S SERVICES

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024

Lie in Repose: 3 pm – 5 pm

Evening Mass: 5 pm – 630 pm

St. Francis of Assisi Mission – Ak-Chin Indian Community

16657 N. Church St. Maricopa, Arizona 85139

Rosary/Wake: Begins at 7 pm

Kakar Residence

42399 W. Peters and Nall Rd

Maricopa, AZ 85138

(All Choirs Welcome)

SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024

Rosary: 8 am

St. Francis of Assisi Mission – Ak-Chin Indian Community

16657 N. Church St. Maricopa, Arizona 85139

Final Resting Place: Ak-Chin Cemetery