Shawn Salce Steele

Shawn Marie Salce Steele, 65, passed away on December 9, 2025, in Howe, Texas. Her life was a testament to resilience, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family, faith, and community.

Born on January 30th, 1960, in Corrales, New Mexico, Shawn grew up with a strong sense of purpose and determination. She pursued higher education with vigor, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration and General Political Science from Eastern New Mexico University. Later, she obtained her Teaching Certificate in Special Education and Teaching from New Mexico Highlands University-an achievement that would shape the second chapter of her professional life.

Shawn began her career at State Farm Insurance in Albuquerque, where she quickly rose through the ranks to become a respected claims specialist. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of complex cases, she often assisted with mediation, arbitration, and litigation claims. Her expertise and empathy made her an invaluable asset to both clients and colleagues. She later served as a Claims Liaison for Tol Graves State Farm in Rio Rancho, where she guided clients through the claims process with clarity and kindness.

In time, Shawn felt called to make a more personal impact and transitioned into education-a field where her compassion truly flourished. As a special education teacher at Stapleton Elementary in Rio Rancho and Algodones Elementary in Algodones, New Mexico, she found profound fulfillment. At Algodones Elementary, she became an Orton Gillingham reading instructor. Through this specialized program, she significantly improved the reading skills of many students-an accomplishment that brought her immense pride.

Shawn's dedication extended far beyond the classroom. For over 11 years, she served as a devoted soccer team manager-not just for her two beloved sons but for the entire team. Her leadership and enthusiasm created lasting memories for countless young athletes.

Her faith was central to her life. A longtime member of the Women's Ministry Team at Rio West Community Church, Shawn played an instrumental role in organizing events such as the annual women's retreat. Her ability to foster connection and spiritual growth left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Creativity was another cornerstone of Shawn's identity. She spent decades perfecting the art of woodcarving before expanding into general arts and crafts later in life. Whether crafting or carving, each piece reflected her care and thoughtfulness.

Above all else, Shawn was devoted to her family-especially her two sons, Chance Ethan Steele and Parker Allen Steele. They were the center of her world and the reason behind many of the courageous decisions she made throughout her life-including uprooting everything to be closer to them.

She is also remembered for her fierce loyalty to friends and community members alike-always ready with a helping hand or encouraging word. A hardheaded Italian who would always give 100% love and care. Shawn lived by example: giving fully of herself without hesitation or expectation.

Her father Richard Salce and his wife Maggie preceded her in death along with her sister Shannon Ash.

She put the fear into her boys by saying "It only takes 8 lbs of pressure to rip your ear off." Her favorite song was "Take It Easy" by The Eagles-a fitting anthem for someone who embraced life with both intensity and grace.

May Shawn Marie Salce Steele's memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her-and may her legacy continue through every life she touched. A Memorial Service will be held on December 17, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Grace Bible Fellowship 101 W. Pecan Street

A service will be held at Anchor Point Church in Rio Rancho New Mexico at a later date in 2026 for friends and family where Shawn lived most of her life. For those that would like to attend, please contact Chance Steele at Shawnsalce@gmail.com