Kristen L. Bennett, age 43, passed peacefully at home on April 13, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. She was called home at 2:20 p.m. as family and friends gathered around her in prayer.

Born on October 9, 1982, Kristen touched the lives of many with her faith, kindness, and loving spirit. She began her journey of service at a young age as a childcare helper at her church, where her passion for teaching quickly became evident. While attending college, she worked in early childhood education before transitioning into a certified teaching role. She later earned her Master’s degree in Elementary Education and dedicated nearly 20 years to teaching before retiring from the New Haven School District as a first-grade teacher in March of 2026.

Throughout her life, Kristen embodied kindness, patience, and a deep commitment to serving others. Her compassion knew no bounds, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of her students, colleagues, friends, and family. Her legacy of love will be cherished by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Kristen’s faith, strength, and courage were tested during her five-and-a-half-year battle with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. She fought valiantly, enduring difficult treatments out of deep love for her family. Her doctors shared that she did everything possible—and more—to fight this aggressive disease. Her determination to spend more time with her family inspired all who witnessed her journey. Even in her most challenging months, she remained strong, rarely complaining and never losing her spirit.

Kristen is survived by her devoted husband, Bobby Bennett; their children, Jackson and Adalyn Bennett; and her parents, Curtis and Mary Wallin. Through her kindness and love, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and her strength and courage will inspire generations to come.

A celebration of Kristen’s life will be held on May 9, 2026, at First Christian Church in Washington, Missouri. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made directly to the family or to the GoFundMe page in her name to support her family’s expenses and her children’s future education.

Sent from my iPhone https://gofund.me/ede56d152