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William Riggs Obituary
82, of Mesa, AZ passed away October 24, 2008 in Phoenix. He was born on October 20, 1928 in Durango, CO to Henry Sears and Bessie Riggs. He graduated from Mesa High School in 1947. He was a veteran of the US Navy. He enjoyed work as a farmer, growing melons and cotton and working with cattle. Bill was employed by Cardon Oil and LeSueur Ginning Co. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He loved attending the Temple and singing in the church choir. Bill enjoyed gardening and had a love for animals. We cherished the time we spent together and we will greatly miss our husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dail Riggs; and sisters: Vonnie Smith and Roberta Clark. Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years, Norma Riggs; children: Sandra Leonard (Richard), Kent Riggs (Terri), Craig Riggs (Vicki) and Scott Riggs (Cyndy), all of Mesa; brother, Thomas Riggs, of Mesa; 20 grandchildren and 44 great grandchildren. A visitation will be held on Monday October 27, 2008 from 6-8:00 PM at Meldrum Mortuary, 52 N. Macdonald in Mesa. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday October 28, 2008 at 10:00 AM with a visitation one hour prior at the LDS Church building, 1852 N. Stapley Dr. in Mesa. Interment will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Riggs
Robert V Darst
November 15, 2008
Norma,
I'm sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My sister in Scottsdale notified me of Tom's passing (I last spoke to him June 14th) November 3rd ...I was unaware of Bill's passing until searching for Tom's death notice online.
SANDRA NIELSEN,SHAFFER
October 28, 2008
Dear Norma and Family
Our family were members of the Mesa 6th Ward long ago and I am the daughter of Duffy and MaryJo Nielsen. I would like to send our families love and sympathies to all of you and we know that Billy will be missed by so many. Our hearts go out to Norma and may the Lord be with you at this time.
Sincerly,
Jim and Sandra (Nielsen) Shaffer of Hurricane
Duffy Nielsen, Jacque Long of Mesa, and Marty Nielsen of Dallas
Cinda Rohan
October 28, 2008
We will miss seeing Brother Riggs in our Pinedale Ward in the summer time. My Dad Tink Morris thought a lot of him when they had worked in the Temple together. Dad passed away in August so I am sure he was glad to see Bro. Riggs again. They will be happy doing the Lords work on the other side together.
Cinda Rohan, Pinedale
David & Carolyn Smith
October 28, 2008
I first met Billy Riggs 40 years ago. I had serve with his cousin Elder Ben Riggs from Chandler, AZ in the Chilean Mission(1962-1965).I married Carolyn Nielsen in 1968 while living in the 22nd ward previously a part of the 6th ward.
Having grown up in the Gila Valley I knew what it was to milk a cow. Billy let me keep my milk cow at the property he leased just east of Gilbert Rd. on University. What a memory, the first time he got out of his old(now)brown GMC truck I noticed he reached back for his crutches, then shook my hand. He never let the crutches get in the way of his service to his fellowmen. What a friend he has been over the years and a lot of baby calves have grown old, served their purpose and are gone. Billy left a legacy, His son Kent moved into our Lehi 6th Ward. His son Jason was near the age of my two sons Lance and Steve.
What patience Billy has taught his children over the years. For example his son Kent. Anyone that can handle a mule like Kent has to come from good stock. The other brother of Kent, I recall was a firemen when I met him. What a solid Volunter of Service!!
Billy was a stake missionay with my brother Robin, while he live on Lehi Rd.
Billy has tossed any of his crutches in life away and will be a great missionay and wait for you Norma to have The Foreever Family foreever.
Joan and Joe Barber
October 27, 2008
Dear Norma and family, We are saddened to hear of Billy's passing! You and Billy are wonderful people and great examples to all who know you! May Heavenly Father bless you now and always! Love, Joan and Joe Barber
John Leavitt
October 27, 2008
Norma,
Our love goes out to you and your family in this time of personal sorrow. I hope you can find comfort in the knowlege that Bill isn't really gone but has graduated at the top of his class. We will miss his wonderful friendly smile.
Joella M. Marler
October 27, 2008
Norma Lee, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember when you two got married. It's nice to have family around for support. Please know that you cousins are thinking of you also. Joella Miller Marler
Ginger (Wright) Allen
October 27, 2008
Norma, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Billy was one of my most favorite people in the world. My mom and dad loved him so much. He was so kind and gentle and always had a smile and a hug for me. My prayers are with you and your family.
Paul Crandall, Jr.
October 27, 2008
Norma Lee and family,
You know the great family love I have for you and your family. This hits too close to home. My most recent contacts with Bill have been frequently at the temple. In fact, I presided at the session he attended on October 17 and I gave him a helping. I looked for him again at the session last Friday but was told he had already gone ahead. I'll miss him. My continuing love to all of you cousins. Paul L.
Ronald & Veleda Willis
October 27, 2008
Norma & Family,
We were saddened to learn of Bill's passing. What a great man he was. We have fond memories of all of you through the years. May you find peace and comfort at this time knowing families can be forever.
Clara Naylor Bigler
October 26, 2008
So many fond memories of Billy and Norma from many years past. Our hearts and prayers are with you, Norma, and your family. Cherish the memories, look forward to the reunion! Edwin and Clara (Naylor) Bigler Layton, Ut.
Stan and Sharon Miller
October 26, 2008
This is a long, lost Utah cousin, Stan Miller. I remember Bill and Norma from 40-50 years ago. When did we get old?
Much love to you at this time of parting. There's a lot to which we all have to look forward. Sometimes I can't wait!
Jan Hancock McBride
October 26, 2008
Growing up in 6th ward, I have fond memories of Bill and Norma Riggs. With wonderful people like them, it was a great place to grow up. I saw Bro. Riggs often in the temple, he was so dedicated and always had a warm hello. My Love and prayers go out to all the family.
John Miller
October 26, 2008
Dear Norma Lee and family: I was so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. Our love and thoughts are with you at this time. --John "Eddie" and Ann Miller
Mike Rowley
October 26, 2008
I would have to call Billy, "the most unhandicapped person I ever knew" and for those that knew him...you understand.
Metzie Lamoreaux Phelps
October 26, 2008
To my Riggs Family,
How thankful I am to have known your husband, your Dad, your Grandfather, my Mother's cousin. All my life he was called Billy by my mom. Last week in the temple while he made his "pick me up" phone call I leaned across the counter to shake his hand and tell him, "Hey Billy how are you doing?" There was that day, as always, his sweet and wonderful smile and the words "fine, just fine” How I loved him. He was such a great person and the love that my mom had for him just poured on the down the line to me. You can bet that he and my mom are planning a big William Thomas Riggs Reunion already. May Heavenly Father bless each one of you during this time, with the knowledge that Billy knew, lived and shared with all. Our prayers are with all of you. Love Metzie Lamoreaux Phelps
Elva Brown
October 26, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jeanette Starks
October 26, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Nyra (Starks) Hillery
October 26, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Richard Leonard leonard
October 26, 2008
IT'S ALWAYS HARD TO SAY GOOD-BY TO SOMEONE WHO YOU LOVE AND WHO HAD BEEN YOUR BEST FRIEND OF EVER. TO GREAT MAN WHO LEAD HIS FAMILY BY HIS EXSAMPLE AND ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS TO COMFORTANYONE A TALKED TO. I'LL MISS YOU MY FRIEND BUT MOST OF ALL I'LL MISS MY PRIESTHOOD FATHER. THANKS DAD FOR THE GREATEST GIFT YOU COULD HAVE GIVIEN TO ME A WAYWORD SON-IN-LAW. I SO THANKFUL FOR FAINALY FALLING YOUR EXSAMPLE LOVE RICHARD
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