Dateline: Newton
Anna Lee Marie Riggs, age 96, of Newton, Kansas, passed away Friday, January 31, 2020. Anna was born June 16, 1923, to Charles E. Waddell and Cleo H. (Parker) Waddell, in Polk County, Arkansas.
On June 23, 1951, Anna married Donald W. Rigs, in Tucumcari, New Mexico. They resided in Wichita, Kansas for 17 years. In 1968, they purchased Newton Electric, and moved to Newton, Kansas. She and Donald worked side by side together operating their business for 34 years. Anna was the bookkeeper during those years.
Anna’s favorite things to do were gardening, rock hunting, reading, and caring for her cats.
Anna was preceded in death by her husband Donald, her parents, one sister, and two brothers. She is survived by her brother Billy Waddell of Mena, Arkansas, four nephews, and two nieces.
Private family committal will be held later this week in Wichita, Kansas.
Memorials may be made to Caring Hands Humane Society, Newton, Kansas and may be sent in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
My aunt Ann was happy living a simple life. She always tried to help her family and Neighbors. I only saw her a few times in my life, but she made a big impression on me each time. She will be missed and I’m thankful for all the times we spent together.
Aunt
Ann was my Daddy Gerald’s sister. She was the second child born to my Grandparents Charles & Cleo Waddell. She was fun & fun loving, very intelligent, & very independent. She was a hard worker & could do more hard labor than many men would be able to do. She loved cats & rescued & raised many during her lifetime. I loved her very much!!