Roberta Joy Waggoner

Roberta J. Waggoner, 79, of Belle Plaine, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Born in Wellington, Kansas, to Robert and Nannie Underwood, Roberta remained a lifelong Kansan with deep roots in her community.

A graduate of Belle Plaine High School, Roberta dedicated much of her life to the service of others. In 1971, she married the love of her life, Richard, beginning a 55-year journey of partnership and family. Roberta worked for several years as a nurse at St. Luke’s in Wellington before she chose to step back from her career to devote herself fully to caring for her children and her mother.

Roberta found joy in the earth. She was a gardener who cultivated both vegetable patches and flower beds that surrounded her home. Her nurturing spirit extended to animals as well; she had a particular soft spot for "hardship case" dogs. Roberta rescued several German Shepherds over the years, providing them with the patient, loving environment they needed to bloom.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Richard Waggoner; and her children, Deborah and Todd. Roberta was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Anthony.

Funeral service is 2:00 PM Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at the First Baptist Church of Belle Plaine, 612 N Linden St, Belle Plaine, KS 67013.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Wichita Cancer Foundation, 1035 N Emporia Ave Suite 195, Wichita, KS 67214.