Wanda Staggs

Wanda L. Staggs passed away peacefully Saturday morning, May 30, 2026, at her home in Bentonville, Arkansas. She was 88 years old.

Born in Reeds Spring, Missouri, to J.C. and Rosie Dotson, Wanda grew up with a strong Christian foundation that would guide her throughout her life. A woman of deep faith, she was an active and devoted member of the Assembly of God Church in Exeter and Porterville, California, as well as in Atkins, Arkansas. Her relationship with the Lord was the cornerstone of her life, and she lived her faith daily through love, service, and generosity.

Wanda possessed a warm and joyful sense of humor that could light up any room. She had a gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved. Whether through her kind words, a listening ear, or her famous smile, she left a lasting impact on everyone she met.

She retired from Beckmann Industries in Porterville, California, where she was a highly respected member of the Human Resources Department. Her dedication and caring nature earned her numerous awards and the admiration of her colleagues.

Wanda was incredibly talented with her hands. She was a master knitter and crocheter, creating beautiful afghans, quilts, quillos, socks, and ties — not just for her family, but for her church family as well. She was also a wonderful cook, always ready with a hot meal or a kind gesture for anyone in need. If you needed something done, Wanda was the person you could count on.

She was preceded in death by her her husband of 56 years, Ray Staggs, her parents, J.C. and Rosie Dotson; an infant sister, Bernice; her brother Eugene Dotson and his wife Katherine; her sister Dolores Shackelford and her husband Kenneth; her sister Betty Horn; her brother-in-law Doug Patrick, her son-in-law Jess Torrez, and granddaughter-in-law Jackie Pena.

She is survived by: Her son, Rick R. Staggs and his wife Inez M. Staggs of Fresno, California • Her daughter, Connie D. Torrez of Bentonville, Arkansas • Her sister, Joyce Patrick of Reeds Spring, Missouri. 

Grandchildren: Henry Pena (Salinas, CA), Ryan M. Staggs, Brandon A. Torrez and his wife Diana (Bentonville, AR)

Great-Grandchildren:Charles G. Pena (Salinas, CA), Cassie Torrez, Benjamin Torrez, and Daxton Staggs (Bentonville, AR)

Visitation will be held at Russellville Family Funeral Home from 11:30 -1:30 on Friday, June 5th.

Graveside services will follow immediately at 2pm at the Atkins City Cemetery in Atkins, Arkansas, with Reverend Bob Branch officiating.

The pallbearer are: Ryan Staggs, Eddie Staggs, Raymond Vanzant, Elizabeth Motta, Daxton Staggs, Eddie Austin. 

Honorary pallbearers are Dennis Horn and Brandon Torrez.