In Loving Memory of William Eugene Sauble

William Eugene Sauble didn’t need a spotlight to make a difference. Bill met life with a
quick wit, quirky sense of humor, a deep love for the ranch he called home, and an
unwavering commitment to helping others, often the first to show up to lend a helping
hand. He preferred soil to speeches, honesty over headlines, and community over
credit. On May 30, 2025, after a long and courageous nine-year battle with ALS, Bill
left this earth for heaven where his well-worn cowboy boots and horse were waiting for
him—leaving behind not a void, but a legacy.
Born on October 13, 1948, to Frank Eugene and Rebecca Gaines-Sauble, Bill grew up
shaped by strong values, hard work, and the wide-open spaces of the Circle Dot
Ranch in northern New Mexico. He lived a life of quiet brilliance, the kind that listens
before speaking and that fixes more than it complains. His lifelong service to
agriculture, his community, and the land was steady, sincere, and impactfully felt in the
numerous organizations he proudly served throughout his lifetime. After serving in the
US Navy, he served in many capacities over the years with the Colfax County Fair
Association, the Colfax County and New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureaus, the New
Mexico Cattle Growers Association, the New Mexico Livestock Board, and on many
other boards and commissions dealing with animal health issues and on advisory
boards for elected officials. He was elected to the Colfax County Board of
Commissioners where he served as a commissioner and board chair, guiding the
county government.
He loved Debbie, his high school sweetheart and wife of 54 years. Together, they built
a life full of integrity and love, the kind that shows up, quietly, day after day. Together
they faced his illness head on, and without a doubt it was her devotion, care and
general stubbornness that gave him so many extra years with his loved ones.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, father and mother in-law, Ray and Nona
Kerby, and his brother Roy F. Sauble. He is survived by his wife Debbie, his son, Troy
Sauble, and his daughter, Tara Foster, along with her husband, Mike. In 2007, he was
blessed with twin grandsons, Cole and Tyson Foster, who gave him two more reasons
to fight through each year. They lit up his world and will carry his calm wisdom forward.
He is also survived by his sister, Gayle Sauble; sisters-in-law Martha Sauble, Twila
Kerby, and Bonnie Egger and her husband, Skeet; and brothers-in-law Mac Kerby, and
Seth Kerby. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, whom he loved as
if they were his own.
He didn’t ask for much and gave more than most ever knew.
Bill’s journey with ALS was long and unfair, but he met it the way he met most things:
with stubborn grace, a dry wit, and a deep well of strength.
We won’t say goodbye, just thank you. Thank you for the lessons in patience, the
power of quiet leadership, and the example of a deeply well-lived life.
In lieu of flowers, plant something, fix a fence. Show up for your neighbors. Speak less
and do more, Bill would’ve liked that.
Donations may be made to the Colfax County Farm & Livestock Bureau’s William (Bill)
Sauble Memorial Scholarship. Donations can be mailed to Colfax County Farm &
Livestock Bureau, PO BOX 531, Springer, NM 87747.
Bill’s family would like to thank the VA ALS Clinic Team, Ted Kamp and the Rocky
Mountain Physical Therapy Staff, and especially his daily caregivers.
Services will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 1:30pm in Maxwell, NM at the
Maxwell Schools Auditorium, with a reception to follow. According to Bill’s wishes his
remains have been cremated and will be spread by the family on the ranch at a later
date.