Barbara Grace Riggin

Barbara Riggin passed away peacefully on Friday evening, February 13th surrounded by her children. She was born in Hanover, Montana on March 1st, 1925. Her dad called her “Scamp” and she lived up to her nickname every day of her life. She was smart, independent, feisty when needed, very loving and had a great sense of humor. At age 17 she came to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, majoring in English. Two years later Barbara met Bill Riggin on a blind date. Bill soon realized he was thoroughly smitten, so he married her, something his family swore he would never do. They had four children together and were married for nearly 50 years before being parted by his passing in 1991. Barbara was also preceded in death by her son, Ted Riggin in 1976. Barbara was ahead of her time and got involved in computer programming in its infancy. She worked for Swedish Hospital and NCR before starting a consulting firm specializing in systems analysis. She was one of a dwindling number of COBOL programmers and although retired for many years she was approached by many companies to update their software before the millennium. Rather than work however, she preferred to let the world come to an end. Fortunately it didn’t so that she could go on to enjoy her great grandchildren Jack, Delaney and Maizie Kendall and Zoey Rice. She will be sorely missed by her loving grandchildren Jodi Kendall, Jaime Rice, Casey Riggin, Kristi Riggin, Ted Pinkerton and Maddy Pinkerton. But missed most of all by her children Susie Hubka, Jenny Pinkerton and Doug Riggin.

Barb square danced, bowled and loved cards, especially bridge. Her greatest joy was her family which she expressed best in a letter written to her children after Ted’s death: “We were alive and because of him I think we are more caring, more loving, and more aware of the value each person has in our lives. We celebrate our living family every day because they are so precious and because they cannot be replaced. And we do not forget those who have left us”. Barbara will never be forgotten by those left behind.

Services for Barbara will be held at 1:00 on Thursday, February 19th at Purdy and Walters at Floral Hills, 409 Filbert Road, Lynnwood. Hospitality to follow at 2:00.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the angels at Providence Hospice Foundation of Snohomish County at 2731 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 500, Everett, WA 98201 or online at their website.