Stuart “Bubba” Wayne Foster

Stuart “Bubba” Wayne Foster, 73, passed away on June 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Stuart was born on August 15, 1952, in Lufkin, Texas, to Charles and Audry Mae (Hopkins) Foster. He spent the early years of his life in East Texas and graduated from high school before being drafted into the United States Army in 1972 during the Vietnam War era. While serving his country, he was stationed in Germany, where he was trained to work on radar guidance systems for Tomahawk missile technology.

After completing his three years of military service, Stuart returned home and began working at Texas Foundries alongside his father, Charles. In 1977, he married the love of his life, Andrea Ruby Netherton. Together they built a life centered on family and adventure. Their first son, Jeb, was born in 1981, followed by their second son, Matthew, in 1983.

In 1989, Stuart took an early retirement from Texas Foundries, and the family set out for a new

chapter in the Pacific Northwest. Stuart often joked that they had “itchy feet,” which explained the many places they called home between 1990 and 1994. Along the way, he worked a variety of jobs, including at a fish processing plant, in a school, and as a caregiver. Never one to stop learning, Stuart later attended Spokane Community College, where he earned a degree in Telecommunications Science.

Stuart was happiest when he was outdoors or creating something with his hands. He loved fishing, building and fixing things; sharing stories over a cup of coffee, enjoying popcorn and jelly beans, and treating his family to homemade snow cream. He was known for his generosity, resourcefulness, sense of humor, and willingness to help anyone in need.

In October 2025, Stuart was diagnosed with Stage IIB adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and stomach. As he began treatment, his son Jeb and daughter-in-law Molly helped relocate Stuart, Andrea, and Matthew from their longtime home on ten acres in Ford, Washington, to Spokane’s Garland District so they could be closer to medical care, services, and family support. During treatment, Stuart experienced a rare complication related to immunotherapy on March 5, 2026. Despite his determination and strength, subsequent medical complications ultimately led to his passing on June 13, 2026.

Stuart was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Audry Foster.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Andrea Foster; his sons, Jeb Foster (Molly Foster), and Matthew Foster; his sisters, Kay, Candy, Pam, and Connie; his half-brother, Elon; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family members.

Stuart’s legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the lives he touched, and the countless memories made around fishing poles, coffee cups, and bonfires. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.