Trudy Rigg

Born in Chicago, Illinois on April 6, 1936, to Albert and Emma Scheib, Trudy graduated from Ottawa High School in 1954, where she was crowned homecoming queen. She went on to attend the University of Michigan, where she joined Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and formed friendships and memories that remained a meaningful part of her college years and beyond. She graduated in 1958 with a degree in education. That same year, she married Gerald “Jerry” Rigg, whom she had met in German class. Their marriage marked the beginning of a partnership that would span nearly 67 years. Together, they built a life and raised three children: Karl, Kurt, and Suzanne.

Trudy was an intelligent and curious woman who never lost her love of learning. She began a career in teaching, paused her career to raise her children, and then spent decades working in the field of tax preparation, where her sharp mind, patience, and attention to detail served her well. She loved keeping her mind active, whether completing puzzles, playing bridge, or tackling sudoku. Trudy was an avid reader throughout her life, with a particular fondness for a good whodunit.

Trudy took a genuine interest in the people around her. She was a wonderful listener and had a special gift for making others feel heard, understood, and cared for. Whether someone was looking for encouragement, a good conversation, or simply a listening ear, Trudy was always there. She lived with a deep sense of unconditional love, accepting everyone for who they were without judgement.

Being a mother and grandmother brought Trudy tremendous joy. Some of her family’s happiest memories were made at Mill Lake in Battle Creek, where summers meant swimming, celebrating the Fourth of July, and making flag cakes together. During the holidays, Trudy would make spätzle, a traditional German dish that became part of the family’s celebrations and a reminder of her heritage she carried so proudly. Her family will forever cherish the laughter, conversations, wisdom, and love they shared with her.

A devoted woman of faith, Trudy drew strength and comfort from her relationship with God. Her faith was an important part of who she was and remained a source of peace and strength throughout her life. Trudy was a true embodiment of the Fruit of the Spirit.

Though ALS brought challenges during Trudy’s final chapter, it never diminished the strength of her spirit. She faced each day with remarkable courage, grace, and strength, surrounded by the love of her family and special caregivers who lovingly cared for her in the comfort of her own home.

Trudy is survived by her loving children, Kurt (Amy) and Suzanne (Steve), and her four beloved grandchildren, Kyle (Hannah), Rebecca (Bridget), Emma, and Molly. Trudy was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Rigg; her son, Karl; her parents, Albert and Emma Scheib; and her sisters, Charlotte and Alberta.

Trudy will be remembered for her beautiful spirit, intelligence, warmth, kindness, gift for listening, and deep faith that guided her throughout her life. Her family and friends will miss her deeply, but they will also celebrate the extraordinary gift of having known and loved her. The traditions she created, wisdom she shared, gentleness she brought, and love she gave so freely will live on in her children, grandchildren, and in the generations to come.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 30 from 12 pm - 2 pm at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 30650 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 2 pm, with a luncheon following the service at 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: The ALS Foundation.