born on March 6, 1926, in Chicago, IL, to Richard and Edna Haley. She was the second daughter of four,
her sisters being Edna Madigan, Dorothy Ogdon, and Mary Ann Harkin. Edna and Dorothy continue to
live in the Chicago area.
Lee met and married the love of her life, Earl Warren Riggs, upon his return from serving in WWII to the
Chicago area. They were married on December 26, 1947, having celebrated their 68th wedding
anniversary in 2016 shortly before Earl’s passing. Lee attended Holy Rosary Art Institute in Chicago, and
had a career in advertising art/design. After her five sons were born, she and Earl moved the family to
Bloomington for Earl’s job as an electrical engineer for Sarkas Tarzian. Lee re-entered college, attending
Indiana University to complete her Masters in art education. She served Batchelor Middle school as an
art teacher until retiring to join her husband in enjoying travel adventures and their many grandchildren.
They were often found hiking and completing gardening and building projects with their sons at their
family farm in Guthrie, Indiana. They were avid boaters as well, collecting treasures for her many art
projects among the shells and rocks of Monroe Reservoir. She was an active artist, providing her family
with many precious pieces to share. She was often found assisting with lovely contributions to the
Bloomington Garden Club’s activities. Her floral bouquets were not only stunning for the club but also
on her own dining room table! Lee was a member of the Psi Iota Philanthropic Sorority and often
donated her time to serve at the Bloomington Thrift Store. She was active in the Monroe County
Retired Teachers Association, and contributed editing skills and illustrations for the 2006 publication
Echoes from One-room Schools in Monroe County, Indiana.
Lee is survived by her five sons: Glenn (Sally Gorman), Memphis, IN; Peter (Julie Judah) , Guthrie, IN;
Paul (Betty McLaughlin), Floyds Knobs, IN; Christopher (Joyce Vogel), Heltonville, IN; and Daniel
(Michelle Wagoner), New Albany, IN. She also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, and 27 great
grandchildren.
Lee and Earl were members of St. Charles Catholic Church in Bloomington.
Memorial service for Leona Gertrude Riggs will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, August 10, 2020 at Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home, officiated by Father Thomas Kovatch. Interment will follow at Hanson Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com
