Elizabeth "Lizzie" Ann Saldana's Obituary
Elizabeth Ann "Lizzie" Saldana, age 41, of Centerville, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Born on December 15, 1984, in Centerville, Lizzie was the beloved daughter of Carl Sr. and Cathy Sindelar. On May 23, 2008, Lizzie was united in marriage to Shaun Saldana, and from this union came her two greatest blessings, her daughters, Tesla and Kionna. Though the couple later parted ways, Lizzie's devotion to her family never wavered.
Lizzie was known for her determination and tireless work ethic. She began her career at McDonald's in Centerville, spending five years as the night shift manager. She then began caring for others as a CNA in local nursing homes, where her compassion and kindness left a lasting impression. She also worked for a period of time at Lee Container. Most recently, Lizzie worked at Pizza Hut in Centerville, where her leadership and dedication led to her promotion as Area Coach in January 2025, overseeing multiple stores-a role she took great pride in.
Above all, Lizzie's life centered around her family. Her daughters were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them-whether it was trips to the park, massive sleepovers with all the girls' friends, fun outings like floating down the river, camping or fishing, or simply sharing laughter at home. Her granddaughter, Layla, brought her immeasurable joy and deepened her love even more. You could see it every time she walked into the room with her. Lizzie's laugh was unforgettable-bright, contagious, and capable of lifting any room. She never held a grudge, and never knew a stranger. Lizzie loved deeply and fiercely, and that love will continue to live on in all who knew her.
Lizzie will be remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother, a loving daughter and sister, and a loyal friend. Her strength, kindness, open hands & open heart, and unwavering love for her family and friends will never be forgotten.
Those left to cherish Lizzie's memory are her parents, Carl and Cathy Sindelar; her daughters, Tesla Saldana (Trenton Heun) and Kionna Saldana (Nathan Jones); her step daughters, Karrah Diaz and Autumn (Trent) Rockwood; her granddaughter, Layla Saldana Koenig; her siblings, Sara (Bobby) Wireman, Josh (Kim) Sindelar, Jeff (Rachel) Sindelar, and Carl (Janell) Sindelar Jr.; her ex-husband, Shaun Saldana; her mother-in-law, Dawn Schwering; a very special friend, Michelle Drew; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.
Lizzie was preceded in death by her Maternal grandparents, Richard and Maryanna Collis; her Paternal grandparents, Melvin and Helen Sindelar; her uncle, Ernest Collis; and her father-in-law, Dennis Schwering.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00PM, Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Haines Cemetery, north of Centerville. Visitation will take place Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with the family greeting friends from 10:00AM-12:00PM. Memorials may be made to either Tesla Saldana or Kionna Saldana, to be designated at a later date, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Saldana Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome .
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