Xochitl Alicia Deleon

Xochitl Alicia DeLeon (née Uribe)

October 9, 1972 – June 12, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico – Merrillville, Indiana

Xochitl passed away peacefully on June 12th. She is survived by her husband, Jose DeLeon; her children, Karla Bell (née DeLeon) and Joshua DeLeon, and their families; her parents, Gustavo and Alicia Uribe; her brother, Carlos Uribe and family; and her sister, Noemi Rodriguez (née Uribe) and husband. She also leaves behind many other relatives, dear friends, and friends who became family.

Throughout her life, Xochitl dedicated herself to caring for others. Committed to lifelong learning, she worked in childcare, nursing homes, education, catering, ministry, event decorating, choir, theatre, and jewelry design — always pouring her heart into every endeavor. She had a remarkable gift for discovering new passions and nurturing them with grace and devotion.

Xochitl’s philosophy of life was rooted in a fire of creativity and a refusal to accept things as they are. She lived with a spirit that echoed the Apostle Paul’s letters—bold in faith, praising while chained, shaking the snakes into the fire, and never taking “no” for an answer.

A proud Green Bay Packers fan, Xochitl also championed causes close to her heart, including Ostomy Awareness, Phil’s Friends, MDA, and The Humane Society. Her warmth, humor, strength, and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Friends and family are invited to gather for an open house visitation on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Ln, Dyer, IN 46311. Beginning at 7:00 PM, an open podium will be available for those who wish to share memories, stories, or tributes in honor of Xochitl.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the brigade of technicians, hospitality staff, maintenance workers, security, doctors, oncologists and surgeons, CNAs, and RNs at Methodist Hospital for their years of support and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Xochitl's name to Phil’s Friends at: https://philsfriends.org/give-online/ .

Online condolences may be shared at: www.SMITSFH.com

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.”
2 Timothy 4:7