1961
Jeffery
2018
Jeffery Scott Riggs
July 5, 1961 — October 24, 2018
Jeffrey Scott Riggs died just as a new day was dawning on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at the Mi Casa Care Center in Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona following a lengthy illness. He was 57 years old. Jeff was born on a Wednesday, July 5, 1961, in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona to his parents, the late Michael Fordyce and Particia "Pat" LaBelle (Bechtold) Riggs.
Though he was born with special needs that he required throughout his entire life, Jeff worked hard to fit in with others. He was a graduated member of Tempe High School's Class of 1980. As a boy, his parents instilled within him a strong work ethic which served him throughout his life. As a young boy, he had a bike and earned money delivering newspapers on a bicycle route. At a young age, he learned the value of a dollar. In his adult years, Jeff found work at the Marc Community Resources Center in Mesa, Arizona as well as Deseret Industries in Mesa where he proved to be an asset to each organization. He was a real "go-getter" and always exceeded the expectations that others had of him. Also, for many years, Jeff made and sold jewelry to help provide a little extra income for himself. In his jewelry making, he used beads of every kind, turquoise and silver. He gave many pieces of jewelry to family and friends who now consider them to be priceless treasures.
Jeff was extremely charismatic and enjoyed engaging with others. He was blessed with a personality that was always upbeat and positive. While living at the care center for the past few years, Jeff brightened everybody's day as he made his daily rounds saying, "Hello!" to all of the residents. His smile was warm and gentle and his laugh was hardy. Ever the big flirt, the ladies at the care center looked forward to their daily chats with him. His words were always kind and they will miss him.
Jeff was gifted in many areas. He even taught himself to speak German. He and his family took a trip to Germany many years ago and Jeff was able to communicate easily with its citizens in their native tongue. Jeff loved to study German history and could have taught a class about everything he learned. Too, he knew just about everything that one could know about WWII. He always appreciated the sacrifices of "America's Greatest Generation"; especially of them who defended the freedoms that we, as a nation, enjoy today.
Jeff loved his family greatly. He was taught by goodly parents to love the Lord with all his heart, might, mind and strength. His brothers were his best friends throughout his life and he always tried to be a good example to them. When his nieces and nephews were born, Jeff's joy was magnified tenfold. Oh, how he loved his family! He was grateful for his knowledge of Heavenly Father's Great Plan of Happiness, for he, truly was happy.
During the past year Jeff experienced a lot of grief. In March, he mourned the passing of his brother, Michael. Just two weeks ago he helped lay his mother to rest along side his father. He knew that in a coming day he would be reunited with them and that their relationship would continue on through the eternities. His family knows that he is at peace and that he now "Can run and not be weary. Walk and not faint." They will miss him greatly and will always remember him for the good man that he is.
Jeff is survived by his brother, Steven "T-Bone" (Dina) Riggs of Flagstaff, Arizona; 6 nieces and nephews: Andy Riggs, Alex Riggs, Mitchell Riggs, Chris Riggs, Morgan Riggs, Ryan Riggs; 1 step-grandnephew, Tyler Gibson; 2 grandnieces: Kim Kuhn and Britany Gibson.
Though he was born with special needs that he required throughout his entire life, Jeff worked hard to fit in with others. He was a graduated member of Tempe High School's Class of 1980. As a boy, his parents instilled within him a strong work ethic which served him throughout his life. As a young boy, he had a bike and earned money delivering newspapers on a bicycle route. At a young age, he learned the value of a dollar. In his adult years, Jeff found work at the Marc Community Resources Center in Mesa, Arizona as well as Deseret Industries in Mesa where he proved to be an asset to each organization. He was a real "go-getter" and always exceeded the expectations that others had of him. Also, for many years, Jeff made and sold jewelry to help provide a little extra income for himself. In his jewelry making, he used beads of every kind, turquoise and silver. He gave many pieces of jewelry to family and friends who now consider them to be priceless treasures.
Jeff was extremely charismatic and enjoyed engaging with others. He was blessed with a personality that was always upbeat and positive. While living at the care center for the past few years, Jeff brightened everybody's day as he made his daily rounds saying, "Hello!" to all of the residents. His smile was warm and gentle and his laugh was hardy. Ever the big flirt, the ladies at the care center looked forward to their daily chats with him. His words were always kind and they will miss him.
Jeff was gifted in many areas. He even taught himself to speak German. He and his family took a trip to Germany many years ago and Jeff was able to communicate easily with its citizens in their native tongue. Jeff loved to study German history and could have taught a class about everything he learned. Too, he knew just about everything that one could know about WWII. He always appreciated the sacrifices of "America's Greatest Generation"; especially of them who defended the freedoms that we, as a nation, enjoy today.
Jeff loved his family greatly. He was taught by goodly parents to love the Lord with all his heart, might, mind and strength. His brothers were his best friends throughout his life and he always tried to be a good example to them. When his nieces and nephews were born, Jeff's joy was magnified tenfold. Oh, how he loved his family! He was grateful for his knowledge of Heavenly Father's Great Plan of Happiness, for he, truly was happy.
During the past year Jeff experienced a lot of grief. In March, he mourned the passing of his brother, Michael. Just two weeks ago he helped lay his mother to rest along side his father. He knew that in a coming day he would be reunited with them and that their relationship would continue on through the eternities. His family knows that he is at peace and that he now "Can run and not be weary. Walk and not faint." They will miss him greatly and will always remember him for the good man that he is.
Jeff is survived by his brother, Steven "T-Bone" (Dina) Riggs of Flagstaff, Arizona; 6 nieces and nephews: Andy Riggs, Alex Riggs, Mitchell Riggs, Chris Riggs, Morgan Riggs, Ryan Riggs; 1 step-grandnephew, Tyler Gibson; 2 grandnieces: Kim Kuhn and Britany Gibson.
A special graveside service will begin promptly 9:30 A.M. on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at Green Acres Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Road in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Jeff's brother, Steven, and his family, have a great love for the Savior. They know that through His atoning sacrifice "Families Are Forever." They are ever grateful for the continued prayers of comfort offered up in their behalf.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jeffery Scott Riggs, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Graveside Service
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Starts at 9:30 am (Mountain (no DST) time)
Green Acres Cemetery
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