WAALKENS, Saundra K.

The Daily Miner, Kingman, AZ - Published on November 20, 2011 - On Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, our gracious Lord wrapped his arms around Saundra K. Waalkens and took her home to be with Him. Born Saundra K. Bolenbaugh, April 30, 1941, in Greenville, Ohio, Saundra moved to Prescott in 1953 where she attended and graduated from Prescott High School in 1960. While living in Prescott, Saundra met and married Tommy Waalkens and the two of them soon moved to Kingman in 1962 to begin their family. Saundra worked many years in the retail industry with a majority of her career at Kingman Jewelers and J.C. Penney. Saundra retired two years ago from Big Lots Company. Saundra was very active in her church, where for more than 40 years she worked with children, served as president of the Women's Ministries, and was a member of and in the past, led the worship team. Saundra attended Mohave Community College frequently for professional classes, as well as for self-enrichment classes such as lapidary. Saundra was a loving wife, companion and best friend to Tommy for more than 49 years. In the wonderful years they shared together, they loved hunting, camping, motorcycle riding, serving their Lord, and raising their children. Hand in hand, they have held each other up. Saundra was preceded in death by her father, Robert Bolenbaugh; mother, Virginia Bolenbaugh; brother, Donald Bolenbaugh; sisters, Beth Moulton and Barbara Dumford; and daughter, Deanna Smith. She is survived by her husband, Tommy Waalkens, and children Tammy Waalkens and Charlie Waalkens. She has 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Included in close family is her niece, Trudy Rich. Saundra was an amazing wife and mother with a multitude of friends. She never grew out of acting like a teenager, and was a survivor and an inspiration to many people. She loved her husband and family only second to loving her Lord. Saundra's transformation from an Angel here on earth to an Angel in heaven is now complete. She will be greatly missed while we begin to celebrate the end of this journey and the beginning of her eternal life at the feet of Jesus. A service in celebration of her life is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at the First Pentecostal Church of God, 4087 N. Eagle Drive, Kingman.