Sylvia Ann Butt Irwin Riggs

Sylvia Ann Butt Irwin Riggs, 87 of Rogers, AR formerly of Russellville, AR died October 11, 2023 in Fayetteville. She was born November 19, 1935 in Rogers, AR to Robert Lee Butt and Floraine Sexton (Porch) Butt.
She was preceded in death by her first husband Robert E. "Doc" Irwin, her second husband Willard Russell Riggs, her parents and infant granddaughter.
Sylvia graduated from Rogers High School in 1953 and attended the University of Arkansas. There she was a Tri Delt (Delta Delta Delta), earned a B.A. in English and met her life's love, Robert E. "Doc" Irwin whom she married in 1957. He promised her that their life together would never be boring, and that promise was kept throughout their 49 years of marriage.
Sylvia had many interests which she expressed through personal pursuits as well as serving in her church and community organizations. In Russellville she was a member of the Bid and Trump bridge club which met on the fourth Tuesday of the month for over fifty years. At the First United Methodist Church she was an active member of Family Life Circle, served on numerous committees, and was a diligent supporter of and volunteer at Manna House. She volunteered with Russellville Public Schools as a textbook reviewer and was an adult literacy coach (Laubach literacy program).
In 2008, Sylvia married Russell Riggs, her childhood and lifelong friend and unexpected
second love. After her return to Rogers, Sylvia continued her service to the church, treasuring her time and friendships in the Prayer Shawl group at Central United Methodist Church and as a member of Chapter U PEO in Rogers where she assisted in selecting scholarship awardees by assessing applicants' essays.
In addition to playing bridge, Sylvia enjoyed homemaking, reading, sewing, quilting, crosswords, knitting, and birdwatching. She loved flowers from the garden, the change of seasons, long drives through the Arkansas countryside, wind singing through pine trees, the color red, a good cup of coffee, and long conversations filled with laughter and mutual support with her dear friends. She was an attentive listener and a trusted confidant. Her wit was quick and sharp, her smile a welcome burst of light.
Her seven children honor her for her fierce and deep love for them, her constancy as the centering force of our family, her lessons by example in organization, identifying what is right, steadfastness to duty, and her distinct Sylvia style.
She is survived by seven children, John Irwin (Jan) of Morrilton, AR, Martin Irwin (Roxy) of Jasper, AR, Ann Irwin (Jill Duvall) of Rogers, AR, Lee Irwin of Midway, GA, Nancy Cozart (Andy) Fayetteville, AR, Seth Irwin (Carolyn) of Rogers, AR, Brian Irwin (Arthur Stewart) of Wichita, KS, one bonus daughter, Jalane Lee (Shawn) of Rogers, AR, seventeen grandchildren, Josh Irwin, Jason Irwin (Monica), Michael Irwin (Kristie), Jennifer Irwin, Lauren Larsen, Ben Duvall-Irwin, Dylan Duvall-Irwin, Jacob Lutz (Chelsea), Clay Lutz (Savannah), Drew Cozart(Julia), Jared Cozart (Gabby), Evan Irwin, Sophia Irwin, Kenzie Stewart, Palmer Griffin (Adam), Maris Plunkett (Kyle), Grayson Lee (Abby), and fourteen great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Central United Methodist Church in Rogers, AR. A second Celebration of Life will be held on October 26, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Russellville, AR.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: Manna House Designated Fund, First United Methodist Church, 304 S. Commerce Ave, Russellville, AR 72801 and Central United Methodist Church, 2535 W.New Hope Road, Rogers, AR 72758.
To sign the online guest book please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com