Jessie Riggs

Obituary written by family. Submitted 8 15 21 6:29pm

Jessie La Verne Riggs was born November 19, 1940 in Albuquerque, NM and died peacefully at her home on August 10, 2021. Her parents were Howard Stanley Adams and Clara Odessa Adams. She started school in Pedernal, NM and in her early teenage years moved to Vernon, TX. It was here where she met and married our dad James Mack Riggs on September 22, 1958 and had a happy marriage until 1982 when he passed away. They lived in Vernon, Albuquerque, Carlsbad, Tucson, Las Cruces, Melrose, and concluded her journeys at her dream residence on her Ranch near Newkirk, NM. Mom wore many hats throughout her life. She worked hard at the Las Cruces hospital where she worked her way up to an administrator in the hospital but the one she cherished the most and gave her the most peace was working cattle on her own Bar 96 Ranch. Her home was open to all and many called her Mom, Granny, Aunt, and friend.

Around 1986 La Verne met Joe Rael and they began their many journeys together. Over the last 36 years they built a wonderful life together, ranching, going to the sale barn on dates, and sitting around the kitchen table drinking coffee.

La Verne is preceded in death by her husband, both parents, and three sisters: Yvoone Gathings, Billie Mae Armstrong, and Jacqueline Adams.

She leaves behind Joe Rael, two siblings- Stanley Adams and Susie Perry, and four children- James Mack Riggs (Susie), Sherry Mi Linda Woronuk (Bryan), Sonyia Melody Gershon (Steve) and Jacqueline De Ann Randall (Chris).

Grandchildren- Christy (David), James Mack (Emily), Becky (Neal), Nelson (Laurie), Jamie (Meryl), Jesse (Kathy), Jessica (Justin), and Johnny (Amy), Aspyn and Chole Randall and twenty-one Great Grandchildren.

Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Melrose, NM 104 Wisconsin Ave on Monday, August 16, 2021 at 2pm . Graveside to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the First Baptist Church Youth group in Melrose, NM.

Services in loving care by Steed Todd Funeral Home.