Ellen Perry Riggs

Ellen Perry Riggs, 86, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 4:45 P.M. Funeral Service will be at 12:00 P.M., Monday, April 3, 2017, at St. Joseph-Glastonbury Church. Graveside Service will be at 12:00 P.M., Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at Natoma Cemetery, Natoma, KS. Ellen was born in Houston, TX on April 2, 1930 to Nathan and Esther Isenberger. During high school, she moved to Bartlesville, OK. Ellen attended Stephens College in Columbia, MO. After graduation, she attended Oklahoma State and graduated with a BA in History. She returned to Bartlesville where she met a young man, Bob Riggs. They liked each other and soon fell in love. Bob was drafted into the Korean War. After completing boot camp, Bob and Ellen married and went to the Army Chemical Center for 2 years. After his release from the military, Bob moved the family to Beaumont, TX where Ellen was active in the church and made many friends. Bobs job transferred them to Wichita where Ellen attended Wichita State University and graduated with a BA in Economics. Ellen spent her time in Wichita volunteering at the American Red Cross Blood Center. There she donated over 75 units of blood and was selected to the Wichita American Red Cross Hall of Fame. Preceded in death by her parents. Survived by her husband, Robert “Bob” Riggs, Jr.; son, Robert (Deborah) Riggs, III, both of Overland Park, KS; granddaughter, Laura Riggs; grandson, Nathan Riggs. A memorial has been established with: American Red Cross - Midway Kansas Chapter 1900 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS, 67214. Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.