Jan. 6, 1930-Nov. 8, 2023
Joseph Ivor Riggs, age 93, passed away peacefully Nov. 8, 2023, in Cedar City, Utah, surrounded by family.
Ivor was born in Hatch, Utah, in 1930 in his grandma’s southwest bedroom to Joseph Earnest Riggs and Elizabeth Ardell Riggs. He was the only son in a family of seven children.
He grew up helping on the farm, teasing and looking after his sisters. As a young man, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North Central states. Right after his mission, he was called to serve as an MP in the Army, stationed in Korea.
When he returned, he met and fell in love with a young woman with a beautiful, enchanting voice Elaine Truman. They married in 1956 and welcomed four adorable children into the world — Michelle, Brad, Lesli and Leonard — five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
While raising his family, he graduated from BYU with a Bachelor of Science degree. He accepted a job with the state of Utah as the bookmobile librarian. As a lifetime reader and favorite of any child in his vicinity, it was the perfect job for him. He was a lifelong rancher and farmer.
He served as the bishop of the Hatch Ward and in many other capacities in the church.
He always put his family first, he cooked the yummiest food, he told great stories and he was a favorite of everyone who loved him. He was generous, caring and he delighted in his grandkids and great-grandkids.
Ivor is survived by his wife Elaine and children Michelle Riggs (Renea Stillwell), Brad Riggs, Lesli Riggs-Arnold (Robert Arnold) and grandchildren Cheri Yazzie (Mat Gunnufson), Jory Riggs, Mischa Riggs Allen (Cory Allen), Robby Witt, Michael Dolce-Riggs and great grandchildren Maceo Gunnufson and Evelyn Dolce-Riggs. He was preceded in death by his son Leonard Riggs.
A graveside service is scheduled for this Monday, Nov. 13, at 1 p.m. at Hatch City Cemetery on Highway 89, Garfield County, Utah. Hatch Cemetery is a small cemetery there is limited parking. Please consider finding alternate parking and/or carpooling. There will be limited seating also so feel free to bring your own chair.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hughes Mortuary.