Leticia Rodriguez Sanchez, age 66, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Ava’s Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, SD, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends and leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, generosity, and unwavering selflessness.

Leticia was born on November 2, 1959, in Sonora, Mexico, where she lived with her parents and eight siblings. She ended up moving to California in pursuit of a better life. In California, she met her loving husband, Cayetano Sanchez. Together they worked side by side in the strawberry fields while raising their four children. After spending time in Utah and Iowa, they eventually settled in Howard, SD, where they made their home for many years.

Leticia was known for having the biggest heart and for making everyone who came into her life feel special with her contagious laughter. She enjoyed music, dancing and cooking, especially tamales, menudo and other traditional Mexican dishes and sharing them with family, friends, and community. Her kitchen was open to everyone who wanted to help, though her favorite helpers were always her grandchildren.

Leticia cherished her family deeply. She is survived by her husband, Cayetano Sanchez; her children, Jesus (Dawn) Valle, Yajaira (Rodrigo) Carbajal, Martha Sanchez, and Margarita Sanchez; 15 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; her mother, Maria Robles; her brothers, Melchor Rodriguez, Israel (Matilde) Rodriguez, and Hector Rodriguez; and her sisters, Martha (Gabriel) Beltran and Ana (Jose) Sanchez. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Calixto Rodriguez (84); her sisters, Olga (41), Maria Isabel (62) and her brother, Jose Cruz (53).

Leticia will be remembered for her warm heart, lively spirit, and the deep love she had for her family. She will be dearly missed, forever loved and will never be forgotten for all the ways she touched those around her.