Gladys Ann Baumgartner Riggle

1928 - 2020

Gladys Ann Baumgartner Riggle
1928 - 2020
Resident of Saratoga
Gladys Ann (Baumgartner) Riggle, 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her home in Saratoga, CA on December 29, 2020. Gladys was born on August 19, 1928 in Duluth, MN, daughter of Paul and Anna Baumgartner. She is predeceased by her husband Dr. Allen C. Riggle and son Mark A. Riggle. She is survived by her children, Katie Hall (Chris), Nancy Weihe (Lance), Paul Riggle (Shelly), Sally Borello (Mark), Betsy Huebel (Dave) and her 12 grandchildren.
Gladys and her 4 brothers were raised in Duluth and summers were spent with cousins at the family farm. She attended Denfeld High School as well as graduating from Duluth Business University. Upon graduation, she had a successful career working at US Steel Works in Morgan Park. When she was 24, she boarded a train with some of her best friends and a thermos full of Manhattan's and traveled across the US on the California Zephyr. Ending up in Long Beach, California, she met and married Allen Riggle in 1954. Allen was a flight Surgeon in the US Army and their first duty station was Saint Johns, Newfoundland. Duty stations included Fort Ord, Monterey and San Francisco. They ultimately settled in Saratoga, CA to raise their five children.
Gladys was always up for an adventure. She spent the summers camping, backpacking and hiking in the Sierras and she especially loved staying at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite. But the annual family trips to Lake Tahoe were her most treasured times surrounded by family. Being avid history buffs, Gladys and Allen often traveled off beaten roads that took them to the places that they fell in love with through their involvement with Clyde Arbuckle and Oregon-California Trail Association. A true lifelong learner, it was clear that Gladys valued education. As her children grew up, she returned to college and earned her AA in Business Administration. Her strong work ethic led her to excel at any endeavor she set her mind to and her head for finance led her to start a neighborhood stock club. Gladys was also an accomplished and avid seamstress who often referred to her sewing machine as her therapist. In later years she was an active member of Saint Andrews Parish in Saratoga and served on the altar guild.
Gladys' greatest joy was her family and although she was a busy mother of five, there was always room for another plate at the dinner table. Being a Grandmother to her 12 grandchildren was her great love. Every trip to Grandma Gladys' house was guaranteed to be special. There was no mess too big, there were always cookies to bake, eggs to decorate, creeks to explore and hugs to go around.
Gladys lived a full life. She found true love with Allen and was very proud of the family they built together. She will be missed by all.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations can be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Association or the charity of your choice.


View the online memorial for Gladys Ann Baumgartner Riggle