Frances J. Riggs

Frances Riggs was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 28, 1924, and died in Scottsdale, Arizona on August 7, 2025. She lived a life full of travel, playing bridge and going out to eat with friends.

In 1943 she married Jim Utterback, they later divorced but remained friends. While living in Newton, Iowa she was secretary to two Presidents of Automatic Washer Company where she modeled as “The Laundry Queen.” In 1952 she married Loren “Bud” Roush, and they had one daughter, Cindy in 1956. The couple moved to Des Moines, Iowa where Frances worked for 30 years at AMF under three different owners and twelve presidents. Retiring as Marketing Manager overseeing the Sears account. Bud was killed in a traffic accident in 1971. Two years later she had a blind date with Andrew “Andy” Riggs. They married a year later and celebrated 29 years of marriage until his death in 2002.

After her daughter and son-in-law moved to Scottsdale, Arizona she was soon to follow by buying a town home in McCormick Ranch. This was a life changer, she joined Society for the Arts, was bridge chairperson for Who’s Who singles group and was Co-Vice President of McCormick Ranch Women’s Association. On her 100th birthday she celebrated by having a dinner party for seventy of her closest friends.

Frances is survived by the love of her life, granddaughter Frances “Frankie” Hahn; daughter and son-in-law Cindy and Dr. Grover Hahn, stepdaughter Andrea VanGilder and her daughter Deb VanGilder and son Mike (Jenna) VanGilder.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Scottsdale, AZ at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to Heinz 57 Pet Rescue 4002 Ash Street, De Soto, Iowa 50069.