Emery Lee Sauve

Emery L. Sauve
December 22, 1946 - March 19, 2026

Emery L. Sauve, age 79, received his Heavenly Promotion and permanent change of address on March 19, 2026. Emery lived a life defined by unwavering faith, quiet strength, and a deep love for his family.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and great grandfather, Emery found his greatest joy in the moments spent with those he loved. Whether offering steady guidance, a thoughtful word of encouragement, or simply his calm and faithful presence, 

Emery had a remarkable way of making others feel seen, supported, and valued. Family members often remember how he patiently listened, prayed faithfully, and offered reassurance during both joyful and difficult seasons. He raised his daughters to love Jesus, and diligently re-preached the pastor's message every Sunday during the family meal...just in case they didn't get it the first time! 

Every one of his 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren looked forward to the time spent wrestling and tousling with their Grandpa or Papaw! Even his daughters were taught the basics in wrestling as well as basic auto care. They did not lack for hands-on mechanic work as they worked alongside their father changing tires, oil, sparkplugs, and even timing belts! He was always patient, yet thorough, in his instruction and guidance. He was always the first one his daughters called in an emergency as he always seemed to have the calm to steady the current storm, and the solution to just any problem they brought to him. 

Emery loved and served Jesus Christ with his whole heart. His faith was not loud or performative, but steadfast and sincere-woven into his daily life through prayer, service, and a genuine care for others. He considered himself a seed planter..using God's "divine appointments" to put him in the right place at the right time to share a word of encouragement. He believed deeply in encouraging those around him and was known for lifting spirits with kind words, scripture, or a timely reminder of God's faithfulness. Even while receiving chemo treatments or traveling for doctors appointments, Emery was on the lookout for people whom he could encourage. A phrase he commonly used when asked how he was doing was, "It is well with my soul". He "considered it pure joy to face trials of many kinds" and his faith was not a religion, it was a relationship with his Lord and Savior, with whom he communicated daily through prayer and devotional time. 

From a young age, Emery had a fascination with electronics, computers and technology. Long before it was common, he embraced learning how things worked, enjoying the challenge of problem-solving and discovery. Few others enjoyed reading instruction manuals more than he did! He delighted in sharing this interest with others, patiently (albeit thoroughly) helping friends and family understand new technologies and never hesitating to lend assistance when something wasn't quite working. His intention was to study Computer Sciences through college and he did a work study program as a missile defense contractor. His college education was cut short by the Vietnam War. Having been a proficient and outstanding member of his high school ROTC unit, he continued his service to his country by enlisting in the New Mexico Army National Guard Military Ready Reserve. He quickly moved up in rank and responsibility as his leadership and prowess in drill and maneuvers became apparent to his commanding officers. After 3 years of service, part of which was served at Kwajalein Air Force Base working in missile defense and mechanics, he transferred his patriotic enlistment to the United States Air Force Reserve where he served another 3 years. He told many stories of his life on the islands, skin diving and exploring. And then many more of his tours during the riots in Santa Fe. 

He recently reminisced on the fact that the Lord led him to every job he ever held, the majority of which he never even applied for! In his early years, he started as an Aggie at NMSU as a missile defence contractor. He continued working in data programming and in creating software and data bases for a variety of industries from banking to oil field productions to IBM midrange systems. After contracting on his own for several years, he answered a call from the Lord to work with Hosanna Ministries where he was able to live , and work, in his faith daily. There, he was a director of Information Systems and Finance, as well as the Treasurer for the company. All he did, he did as unto the Lord. So much so, in fact, it was said of him that he self-righteously served God before man!! After a sabbatical and a brief midlife break from employment, he went back to IT work and contracting on his own. He was eventually hired on and moved up ranks with SWRe/DAC until he became a VP, IT Director, and CIO in the company. 

Emery was always diligent to work and provide for his family, but also enjoyed keeping his brain engaged and growing. He did not fully retire until he was 77 years old. Even then, retirement did not necessarily mean not working! He had a list of to-do's that was forever ebbing and flowing. He enjoyed working on his tractor, building what he called "The Great Wall" out in the sands of Rio Rancho alongside his younger brother and his eldest daughter, with his faithful John Deer, of course. Many friends and family members looked forward to his annual Christmas letters with his clever wordsmithing and story telling. He joined the Election Integrity committee and enjoyed pouring himself into data analysis and creating and combing through spreadsheets too daunting for others to tackle. This learning of new information, and applying his lifelong skills was a wonderful place to pour his intellectual energies into when he was no longer employed.

Believing this earthly kingdom was only temporary, Emery served as Treasurer on several mission boards with the goal of spreading the kingdom of God to all reaches of the earth. A few of these included Global Mapping International, Mongolian Enterprises International/Kairos International, Hosanna/Faith Comes by Hearing, and African Missions Mobilizing Center. In addition, he was always faithful to serve in his church in varying capacities from teaching Sunday School, to book-keeping, to helping the elderly or less fortunate with service. He served on the Church Council at Our Savior Lutheran Church, was an Adult Education Teacher/Spiritual Gifts Ministry at Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and at Hope Evangelical Free Church served as an Elder, an Adult Education Teacher, and as the church accountant as well. 

Emery was also quick to help others in need. He loved his neighborhood of 53 years, and enjoyed opportunities to help with home projects or mechanics. He packed his garage with tools and equipment in preparation for, well, just about anything. Emery always had a heart for the elderly and would seek out and serve those who were in need of help or just company. Confident in his gift of discernment and the protection of the Holy Spirit, he would pick up strangers and help them in their time of need. He saw the needs of others and was happy to offer a loving hand up and some help out of their current predicament. 

Perhaps his greatest service in life was his devotion to his beloved wife, Donna. Not only did he provide for the family, he made it possible for her to stay home and raise their children. He often commended her in writing, as well as to everyone he knew, praising her diligence and proficiency in keeping the house a home and in raising the girls so well. He thought of her as a true Proverbs 31 woman. Even when the kids were young, it was his goal to enable Donna to continue pursuing her passions in golf. She was able to play regularly and when she became interested in mastering the rules of golf in order to officiate and teach, he encouraged and enabled her to do so. He lovingly walked by her side, her forever Favorite Caddy, even into her later struggles with dementia. Never leaving her or abandoning her, he faithfully served and cared for her with a purity and love that few will ever be able to replicate. He was determined to stave off the cancer in his body as long as he could so that he could continue to be her grounding presence, right up until the day he left this earth..and she quickly followed him into eternity. Without a doubt, he is on the Streets of Gold proclaiming, "It is well with my soul!"

Those who knew Emery will remember his genius mind, his gentle humor, his constant encouragement, and his servant's heart. His legacy is one of faith lived out consistently and faithfully, a family deeply loved, and countless lives touched through his kindness and service. His Savior will have greeted him at the Pearly Gates with, "Well done, my good and faithful servant".

Emery will be remembered and cherished by his children Andrea Ehlert, Michelle (Eddie) Lopez, Jessica (Jon) Locker; grandchildren Kendahl Ehlert, Terrance Ehlert, Senovia Lopez, Sophia Lopez, Daniel Lopez, Gavin Locker, Beckett Locker; great-grandchildren Athena Ehlert Barber, Aspen Ehlert; his siblings Allen (Annette) Sauve, Jeanne McDowell, Gerald (Israel) Sauve, sisters-in-law Norma Sauve and Barbara "Bobbie" (Ronnie) Harrington; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Those whom he is rejoicing with in Heaven are his parents Edward and Jessie Sauve, and his brother Ronald Sauve, as well as his grandparents and aunts, uncles, family, and close friends.

A celebration of Emery's life will be held together with his wife's celebration on April 11, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Hope Church.