Saundra Jean Skalenda

Saundra Jean Skalenda, 75, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on January 8th, 2026. She was born August 16th, 1950 to Charles and Dorothy Skalenda in Lovington, NM.

She moved to Lovington with her family in 1956 and later attended Lovington High School, graduating in 1968. After graduation, she married and attended New Mexico Junior College, earning her Associate of Applied Science degree.

She later moved to Albuquerque and returned to her hometown of Lovington, where she worked for 29 years as a paralegal at Templeman and Crutchfield Law Office.

While there, she achieved the New Mexico Legal Secretary of the Year award on July 2nd, 1989.

In 2000, she moved to Lubbock, TX, where she worked in real estate and later became Senior Vice President at Western Bank.

She worked there for 15 years before retiring and returning to Lovington, NM, to be closer to her family. She enjoyed gardening, baking, and making fruit jams to share with everyone.

Jeanie is preceded by her parents and her sister, Barbara Heinrich.

She is survived by her daughter: Allison Skalenda; her grandson: Alec Gonzales; her sisters: Janette Faris and Patricia Skalenda; and other beloved family members.

She will be sorely missed by her family, her friends, and her community as a member of the First Christian Church. Her hardworking, nurturing, and generous spirit will continue to be an inspiration to us all.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on January 17, 2026 at First Christian Church in Lovington, NM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Christian Church, Shriners Hospital, or the Nor Lea Cancer Treatment Center.