Benita Larsen

Benita L. (Westphal) Larsen was born July 24, 1947. She passed away surrounded by her family and loved ones on Oct. 1, 2016. Benita was born in Spokane to Ben and Marie (Lindsey) Westphal and raised in the Trentwood area. She graduated from East Valley High School. She went to Spokane Community College where she studied nursing.

Benita was a loving mother and wife. She loved her animals, all animals! She loved to be outside in the sun. Benita was very proud of her flowers and yard. She enjoyed traveling from Mexico to the sands of Tahiti. She absolutely despised the cold weather and being cold. She always knew just the right thing to say when asked for advice. Benita was a true, loyal friend to anyone who knew her.

Benita is survived by her husband, Jack Larsen at home; daughter Renai Hudkins (Brad) of Clear Lake, Wash.; sons Lance and Maranda Hudkins of Spokane Valley, and Devin Hudkins (Gaylene Haugen) of Spokane Valley; and stepdaughter Sherrie Larsen of Florida. Benita had seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She has two sisters and one brother, Janet Leveque of Richland, Wash., Joann Pacific of Florida and Boyd Westphal of Elk, Wash.

Benita was preceded in death by her late husband, Randy Hudkins and her son, Daren.

She is now surrounded by sunlight, sand, oceans, angels, lost loved ones and pets, and listening to rock-n-roll music, and dancing. Heaven is now brighter.

There will be a memorial service held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.aspca.org/donate) would be greatly appreciated.