Benita Lou Waggoner

In another universe,

I meet my mother

when she is a child.

We go for a walk at the seaside

and she tells me all the things

she loves about the world.

We share a hundred jokes

and she laughs so easily,

without a single worry.

I want to meet that version of her.

Wide-eyed and full of joy.

Easy laughter and carefree.

Before the same world

she loved so deeply

broke her heart.

- Nikita Gill                                                                           

Benita Lou Waggoner (Stein), passed away on April 11, 2025, at the age of 67.

Born and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas. Later upon marriage moving just outside of Seattle, Washington to raise a family. In the most recent years she relocated, residing in Post Falls, Idaho.

Benita was a woman of deep emotions and fierce compassion who touched the lives of many with her feisty spirit, humor, and unwavering desire to help those around her in the best way she knew how. It would also be remiss not to say her life was also marked by profound hardships. Beginning with the loss of her father before her birth, followed by the loss of her mother at just 15 years old, she was left to navigate much of her young life on her own. Longing for the family and the nurturing motherly love she missed out on, Benita desired to create that in her own family, yearning to be a loving wife, and mother to her own daughters. While she faced challenges, including the impacts of trauma, followed by a lifelong struggle with addiction- it is important to remember her true essence: a woman with immense love and untapped potential who longed to be the woman, wife, friend, sister, and mother she held within in heart.

In reflecting upon the complexities of her story, let us be reminded of the importance of compassion.

May Benita’s life inspire us to “step in” to one another with a gentle curiosity, to look beyond the surface of peoples struggles- recognizing that behind every hardship, is a heart that yearns to love, and be loved.

May we find the courage to embrace our own vulnerabilities, to face our own shadows, to meet the pain, hurt, and wounds we've concealed in the depths of our own hearts with the same understanding and compassion.

May we find, and be, the safe spaces to listen, and to be heard. May we open the door for healing not only for ourselves, but also for those around us.

For it is by sharing and seeing ourselves in each others suffering, shame, hurts, addictions, and the many burdens we carry - that we find freedom.

In Benita’s honor, may we may carry her true spirit with us as a guiding light toward empathy, connection, and the courage to face life’s challenges with love.

Benita is survived by her two daughters, Chelsy and Kimberly; her two granddaughters, Mila (9) and Jane (5); former husband Ralph E. Waggoner Jr.; brother, Brandy Stein; cousin, Michelle Bogard; and son, Bart Bogard.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, Sidney and Patricia Stein (Davis).

*** In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name and honor to:

The CPTSD Foundation 501 (c) (3) - The Foundation for Post-Traumatic Healing and Complex Trauma Research

https://cptsdfoundation.org/donate-to-cptsd-foundation/