Elsie Mae Riggs

Elsie Mae Riggs, 81 of Glenns Ferry, passed away on June 19, 2020 at home with family by her side. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma and friend.

Elsie was born February 15, 1939 in Boise to John “Jack” and Goldie (Roberson) Henley. She was raised and worked alongside her parents on their ranch, in Glenns Ferry.

She met the love of her life Lynn Robert Riggs in 1957 at a Bruneau Dance. They were married August 27, 1960 and would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. Together they took over her family ranch in 1967 where they raised their three boys, Robbin, Harley and Kelly.

Not only did Elsie physically work every day on the ranch, she took care of the boys, their home, and cooked 3 meals a day for all the hired men.

She served on the Elmore County Fair Board and was a 4H leader in livestock for 12 years and taught many young girls how to sew and cook.

Many people will tell you she was the best county fair mom and school room mother there ever was, nobody ever went hungry when Elsie Mae was there. She was always involved in her children and grandchildren’s lives and sports. She drove the school bus for 10 years which included her years while she was in high school, which is how she got herself and the country kids to school. In 2009 she was honored with the Women In History Award.

She loved history, reading, crafting, sewing, cooking and her flowers. She also loved traveling with Lynn in their motorhome along with their family and friends. But the most important thing to her that she loved with all her heart was her family, especially her grandchildren.

Elsie was known for her infectious laugh, her wonderful cooking (especially her famous hush puppies) and her vibrant, joyful personality.

Elsie was preceded in death by her father, Jack Henley; her mother Goldie Henley and her oldest son Robbin Lynn Riggs.

She will be greatly missed by her husband Lynn Riggs of 60 years, her sons Harley and wife

Shelley, Kelly and wife Paula; her grandchildren, Casey, Will, Cayla, Brandie, Taylor and Jack; and several great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank all the Hospice nurses at Horizon Home Health for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Horizon Home Health Hospice.

Elsie will be laid to rest next to her son Robbin and her father and mother at Hot Springs Cemetery in Bruneau on Friday,

June 26, 2020, at 10:30am. Arrangements are under the care of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.