Mona Linda Riggs

Mona Linda Riggs

December 1, 1939 – November 30, 2023

Mona was born to parents Louis Charles Riggs and Marthella Points Riggs. She is survived by her brother Charles Kenyon Riggs and his children Natascha Medbery (Shane) and Roderick (Chris) and their daughters Mikayla Medbery, Ashleigh Entrikin (Jordan)(sons Ryan and Greyson), Halley Riggs and Olivia Riggs.

After graduating from Washington High School in Portland, the family moved to Hillsboro and Mona enrolled at Pacific University in Forest Grove. She paid the tuition there with library work and her “babysitting career” – receiving her degree in education.

Mona began teaching fifth grade at Woodstock School and stayed there for 32 years – changing to teach third grade during the last few years.  Beside the enjoyment of working with her students to introduce them to the world of reading and United States history, there was also physical education and gardening.  Mona took great pride in being asked to design a rose garden at the front entrance to the school and maintained it for years with the help of students, parents and friends.

Over the course of her life Mona made many friends and kept up the relationships with cards for any occasion, phone calls and lunches.  Childhood friends, school friends, former students (some of their parents as well), and children she had cared for as a babysitter all those years ago.  She genuinely enjoyed getting to know people and their stories, but mostly wanted to be sure everyone got a book! She was loved and admired by all of us.

Most important in her life was Ken, their parents raised them to always take care of each other and they did.

At Mona’s request there are no public services planned. She will rest at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Remembrances can be made to children’s literacy programs and animal welfare agencies.