Obituary of Benita Jean Caldwell

Benita J. Caldwell passed away June 19, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa.  She was 70 years old.

Benita’s family will receive guests at Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service (2720 Muscatine Ave., Iowa City) on Wednesday, June 28^th, from 3-5 pm, concluding with a memorial service at 5 pm, also at the funeral home.

Benita was born January 18^th, 1953, in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter of Barthol Hernandez and Aurora Mendez.  Benita was a kind, gentle soul.  She had a great laugh and she loved to use it.  She was always supportive of her family and those around her and insisted that they continue to try new things to broaden their horizons.  Benita enjoyed travelling and had a spot in her heart for the Black Hills in South Dakota.  She was an excellent dentist and was held in high esteem within her field and community.  Moreover, Benita loved her family.  Her husband, daughters, siblings, and extended family meant the world to her.  She will be missed tremendously, but her legacy lives on through all who love her.

Benita’s family include her husband of 47 years, Royal; daughters, Alexzandra (Courtney) Caldwell-Wenman and Assata (Ben) Worrell; grandchild, Liam Wenman; siblings, Marie (Henry) Ptak, Steve (Rose) Hernandez, Monica (the late Tom) Meade, Larry (Mary) Hernandez, Shirley (David) McCoy, Juanita (Scott) Williams, Jack (Janice) Hernandez, Joseph (Laurie) Hernandez, Michael Hernandez and Angela Vasquez; mother, Aurora Vasquez; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Please continue to keep Benita’s family in your thoughts during this difficult time.

Donations can be made in her memory to her favorite charities: 

• American Indian College Fund https://collegefund.org/how-to-help/
• Dakota Indian Foundation https://www.dakotaindianfoundation.net/
• United Farm Workers  https://ufw.org/sparechange/