Catherina "Katie" Leija, 79 of Wichita Falls, Texas went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 22, 2024, after a battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 28, 2024, at 10:00 am at Holy Family of Nazareth Catholic Church with Father Phil Petta officiating. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.

Catherina was born on Wednesday, May 9, 1945, in Victoria, Texas, to Juan and Josephina Casas. In 1960, Catherina met Elias Leija, Sr. in Vernon, Texas. Catherina and Elias went on to have seven children, Elias Leija, Jr. & wife Brenda of Vernon, Texas, Ralph Leija of Wichita Falls, Texas, Albert Leija of Michigan, David Leija & wife Christina of Wichita Falls, Texas, Michael Leija of Wichita Falls, Texas, Martin Leija of Wichita Falls, Texas, and one daughter, Rebecca Leija of Wichita Falls, Texas: leaving behind thirty-one grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren.

Catherina loved music. She loved to fill her soul with music. She was a homemaker who took care of her children, giving her best and being a great teacher.

Catherina is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, three brothers, Juan Casas, Jr., Ernest Casas, John Ralph Casas, and four sisters, Lucy Casas, Pat Casas, Josie Casas, and Beatrice Casas.

Catherina is preceded by her late husband, Elias Leija, Sr., mother, Josephina Casas; father, John Casas, and brother, Jesse Casas.

Rosary will be Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel.