Midge was born in Los Angeles in 1915 but was raised in Atwater, California. She was the last survivor of seven children born to Don and Bonnie Crookham. Midge was a 1933 graduate of Merced High School. She went to Modesto Junior College and then received her cosmetology license in San Francisco. In 1936, she was married to Kenneth Riggs. The couple lived in San Francisco until 1945 when they later moved to Merced. Midge’s greatest joy was helping to raise her grandchildren (14), great grandchildren (26) and great great grandchildren (2). She traveled the world extensively with her husband and was active locally in the Hospital Assistance League. Midge was a member of the Central Presbyterian Church. Her favorite pastime was playing Bridge, which she gave up only when her eyesight failed her.
Mildred is survived by her five children; Judith (Gary) Smith, Karen (Erwin) Davey, Curtis (Gaye) Riggs, Kathy (Flip) Hassett and Kraig (Robin) Riggs.
The family is grateful for the kindness of her personal caregivers, comfort keepers and Hinds Hospice who helped her in her later life. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Central Presbyterian Church at 1:00 p.m.. In her honor, the family would appreciate contributions be made to the Ken and Midge Riggs Endowed Scholarship Fund c/o UC Merced.
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