Mary Elizabeth Riggs, 92, formerly of Mt. Summit, passed away Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015, at Springhurst Health Campus in Greenfield. She was born at home on Nov. 25, 1922, in Raleigh, Ind., a daughter of the late Melvin and Goldie Cole.
Mary graduated from Raleigh High School in 1940. She married Clermont Bitler “Doc” Riggs on November 20, 1943. She pursued a career as a hairdresser and graduated from Amber’s Beauty School. She owned her own beauty shop for over 30 years and became a Master Cosmetologist Instructor in 1987. At the age of 65 she taught in both beauty and vocational schools.
She was a member of the Mt. Summit Christian Church. Mary was a 35 year member of the National Hairdressers Association and participated in numerous style shows with clients from her shop.
Survivors include her youngest son, Stephen Riggs, of Greenfield; a sister, ZadaJane Hall of Cincinnati; seven grandchildren, Todd (Barbara) Riggs, of Ohio, Amy (Bob) Deckard, of Ga., Kristi (Patrick) Veal, of Ind., Scott (Lindsey) Riggs, of Ind., John (Cecila) Riggs, of S. C., Sean Riggs of Ind., Tara (Johnathan) Boone, of S. C.; two special daughters-in-law, Pam (Buckress) Riggs of S. C. and Kathy (Hosking) Riggs of Ind.; 15 great- grandchildren and numerous loving nieces and nephews from both the Riggs and Cole families.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 72 years, “Doc” Riggs; her oldest son, Charles Michael “Coach” Riggs; four infant brothers; one infant sister; 10 brothers and two sisters.
Family will receive friends prior to the services from 10- 11 a.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, at Sproles Family Funeral Home with Pastor Mark O’Brien officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Summit Cemetery.
You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com.
Memorial contributions may be offered to Springhurst Health Campus, 628 N. Meridian Rd., Greenfield, IN 46140. Please mark on the memo section of checks “In memory of Mary Riggs.”
The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Mary Riggs.
