Marcia Jean Riggs

SIDNEY - Marcia Jean Riggs (Shanks) will be remembered for her life of service and taking care of others. Thousands of newborns and their mothers were comforted and cared for during her 45 years of nursing. Much of her career was spent on the night shift, a sacrifice she made so she could spend days at home raising her children: Darin, Matthew and Megan. She played an integral part in the family farm and the operations of the Sidney Dairy Barn along with her husband of 37 years, Dennis Riggs. The impact of her life was felt by all who knew her, including her friends, neighbors and fellow members of United Community Church in Broadlands.

Later in life, Marcia poured much of her love into being a very involved "Mimi" to her grandchildren, Jake, Claire, Anna, Lilly, Sidney and Paige. No family event was complete without her famous chicken and noodles. For the past four years, she has enjoyed the loving companionship of Lloyd Studniarz.

Marcia was born on Feb. 3, 1957, in Terre Haute, Ind., to Sidney and Martha Shanks. She was the eldest of five children, including her twin brother, Mike; sister, Sharon; and brothers Steve and Mark. She was a 1975 graduate of Villa Grove High School. Directly after graduation, she attended the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Peoria. Upon becoming a nurse, her first job was at Burnham Hospital. She was also a nurse at Mercy, Covenant and Provena and concluded her career at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Carle.

Marcia courageously battled ovarian cancer for years, motivated by a desire to spend more time with her children and grandchildren. She passed away the morning of Oct. 23, 2025, in the farmhouse where she spent 30 years of her life.

In accordance with her wishes, her ashes will be spread on that farm, and a stone marker will be placed directly adjacent to other members of her family at Centennial Cemetery, Villa Grove. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Joines Funeral Home, 1375 Illinois 130, Villa Grove. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at United Community Church, 300 Lincoln St., Broadlands. 

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to United Community Church in Broadlands or the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis.