Virginia Rose Riggs, age 79, of Rockford, Illinois passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, August 8, 2026. She was born on July 19, 1947 in Guttenberg, Iowa to Louis and Bernice (Pape) Fabert. Her family moved to Rockford in May 1964 and she’s stayed here since but part of her heart stayed in Guttenberg. She was a devout member of St Paul Lutheran Church. Virginia worked for many years at various places in secretarial roles. She loved animals, especially cats, her neighborhood cat colony will miss her dearly. She enjoyed baking for her family and friends. Virginia was a victim of domestic violence and fought for herself until the very end.
Virginia is survived by her daughters, Tammy (Leif) Johnson and Crystal Christen; grandchildren, Samantha, Danielle, Nicholas, Kenny, Alexander, Kayla, Zachary, and Khyler; a bunch of great-grandchildren; siblings, Cathy (Mike) Braaten, Darlene Fabert, Marlene Zellner, Wendy Stata, Ruth (Jim) Keeling, and Clark (Phyllis) Fabert; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Bernice Fabert; brother, Michael Fabert; brother, Doug Fabert and his wife, Debra; son-in-law, Rob Christen; and brother-in-law, Tom Zellner.
She was loved by her family and friends and will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the National Domestic Violence Hotline or St Paul Lutheran Church.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, August 19 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at Advantage Funeral Home, 7000 W State St, Rockford, IL 61102 with a memorial service to follow at 11:30 am. Burial to follow at Willwood Burial Park.
