Evelyn Riggs

Evelyn Hulda (Merta) Riggs, 86, a long-time resident of Bloomington, IN passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at Bloomington Hospital.Evelyn was the daughter of Chris and Minnie Merta born March 12, 1923 in Chrisney, IN. Evelyn moved to Evansville, IN during World War II. She met her husband Lloyd Riggs of Evansville when he returned from the war and they were married in 1946. The couple and their five children moved to Bloomington in 1967.Evelyn was a loving wife, mother, homemaker and life-long counselor to her five children and 13 grandchildren. She was devoted to her church, Faith Lutheran, with countless hours of volunteering in various roles. She was one of the first volunteers at Bloomington Hospital Home Health and Hospice in the early 80's and continued to provide volunteer administrative duties there until recently.Evelyn enjoyed reading, sewing, puzzles, scrabble, listening to WFIU Public Radio, shopping with her girls, and the annual South Haven, MI family vacation. She always brought joy to a room and was a friend to all.She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Lloyd Riggs; five children and their spouses, Rita and Schuyler Pigott of Arlington Heights, IL; Alan Riggs and Jean Cunningham of Arlington Heights, IL; Joyce and Cliff Bassett of Tipton, IN; Diane and Mark Riggins of Bloomington, IN and Vicky and Robert Hillenburg of Bloomington, IN; thirteen grandchildren and spouses, Westin and Dane Pigott of Arlington Heights, IL; Chris Riggs and Michelle Ross of Tucson, AZ; Schuyler Riggs of Chicago, IL; Tiffany Bassett of Paris, France; Jonathon and Lori Bassett of Phoenix, AZ; Kristen Bassett of Indianapolis, IN; Ryan and Julie Riggins of Siverthorne, CO; Todd and Heather Riggins of Great Falls, MT; Kelli and Colin Trusedell of Miami, FL; and Katie, Cynthia and Julia Hillenburg of Bloomington, IN. one great granddaughter, Nora Rodriguez. Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Faith Lutheran Church with Pastor Lawrence Mitchell officiating. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Allen Funeral Home and 12-1 Friday at the church. Burial will be held at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Memorial contributions can be made to Bloomington Hospital Home Health and Hospice, 601 W. Second Street, Bloomington, IN 47402.Online condolences may be sent to www.allenfuneralhome.org

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Evelyn Riggs

March 12, 1923 - October 13, 2009