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Margaret Riggs Obituary

Margaret Virginia Riggs LUBBOCK - Margaret Virginia Riggs, 85, of Lubbock died peacefully on January 6, 2014 surrounded by loving friends at Covenant Specialty Hospital. A memorial service celebrating Ginny's life will be held Sunday, January 19, at 2:00 p.m. at St. John's United Methodist Church. Virginia, known by most as Ginny, was born June 14, 1928 to Thomas Casteron TC and Margaret Peg Kirtley Casteron in Canton, Ohio. After graduating from high school, Ginny attended and graduated from Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio in 1950 with a B.S. degree in Biology. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and a student counselor. In 1955 she graduated with an M.S. degree in biology from Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio. She met Charles (Charlie) Riggs, while he was attending Kent State and completing a Master's Degree in Math. They were married in Cleveland, Ohio in 1951 and were married for 45 years until his death in November 1996. Ginny and Charles traveled together to various countries as part of his position as a math professor at Texas Tech University. They loved to dance and were members of the Alamanders Square Dance group in Lubbock. Ginny's professional career included teaching Biology, Botany, Entomology and Insect Ecology. She worked at the Texas A&M University Extension Service in Entomology and plant breeding research. She was in the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas Tech University from 1984-1992. Throughout her professional and personal life, Ginny participated in numerous organizations including University Women's Club at Texas Tech University, Lubbock Golden K Kiwanis and ALTRUSA'S, where she was recognized as 2000 Woman of the Year. In retirement, Ginny generously volunteered in her church and community. She was a longtime faithful member of St. John's United Methodist Church where she served on various committees, helped start the prayer shawl ministry, called members on their birthdays and volunteered in the office. Even when she was not able to attend worship and activities, Ginny remained committed to participating in her church through phone calls and generous donations to various ministries. She faithfully joined a small group of ladies, some for over forty years, for coffee on Thursday afternoon for friendly support and conversation. She unselfishly volunteered for, and /or supported Contact Lubbock, TTU Public Radio Station, Meals on Wheels, and Meals on Wheels Pet Food Program, Legal Aide Clinic, South Plains Food Bank, Haven Animal Shelter and served on the Board of the American Museum of Agriculture. Ginny was a dear and faithful friend and a special lady whose tiny feet left large footprints on the hearts of many. Her compassionate and loving nature will be greatly missed. Ginny was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and her brother, John Jake Robert Casterton. She is survived by a niece, Linda (Lindy) Diane Paulson (Larry), of Holland, MI; her faithful cocker spaniel, Angel; and numerous friends. Memorials to honor Ginny are welcomed and may be made to any of the charities she was devoted to as mentioned above. Please celebrate the life of Ginny by visiting www.combestfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Published by Lubbock Avalanche-Journal on Jan. 12, 2014.
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