Saundra Jean Lieke, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, and retired educator, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, at the age of 83.
Saundra was born on October 9, 1942, in Beeville to William and Sally (Marshall) Welkener. She was raised on the family farm and ranch in Bee County, where she learned the values of hard work, faith, and family that guided her throughout her life. She was baptized and confirmed at Pawnee Methodist Church. Saundra attended school in Pawnee, where she met the love of her life, Elton Lieke. She graduated from Pawnee High School in May of 1961, and on June 9, 1962, she and Elton were united in marriage at Pawnee Methodist Church. Together, they were blessed with three children: Brian, Cymantha, and Eric.
Saundra devoted her life to caring for others, both at home and in the classroom. She spent 24 years as an educator, viewing teaching not simply as a profession, but as a true calling. She took great pride in the many students whose lives she helped shape and guide over the years.
Family was always at the heart of Saundra’s life. She was a loving and devoted mother who offered constant encouragement, wisdom, and support. As a grandmother and great-grandmother, she found immense joy in her grandchildren and great-grandsons, her face lighting up whenever they were mentioned. Her home was always welcoming—filled with warmth, laughter, and the comfort of cherished traditions she lovingly upheld.
In retirement, Saundra delighted in being a devoted “fur mom” to her schnauzer-doodle, Cali, and treasured time spent with family and friends. She enjoyed traveling, participating in church activities, and being actively involved in the Beefmaster Breeder Association alongside her husband, Elton. She will be remembered for her gentle strength, generous heart, and the quiet yet lasting impact she made on all who knew her.
Saundra is survived by her husband, Elton Lieke; her children, Brian Lieke, Cymantha Plant (Carl), and Eric Lieke (Shannon); her grandchildren, Kyle Plant (wife Kelsey), Kolby Plant (wife Ashley), Kolton Plant (fiancé Sarah Colle), William Lieke, Gayton Lieke, and Emma Rose Lieke; and her great-grandsons, Cayden and Graycen Plant. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Sally Welkener; her brother, Billy Welkener; and her nephew, Bradley Welkener.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by funeral services on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy. Interment will follow at Pawnee Cemetery.
Saundra’s legacy lives on through her family, her former students, and the countless lives she touched with compassion, grace, and love.
Pallbearers: Kyle Plant, Kolby Plant, Kolton Plant, William Lieke, Gayton Lieke, Emma Rose Lieke, and Norman Kuenstler.
Honorary Pallbearers: Cayden Plant, Graycen Plant, Keith Overby, Wayne Wernli, Freddie Franke, Mitch Hale
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Pawnee Methodist Church, Pawnee Cemetery Association, or Hope Hospice of New Braunfels.
