Obituary of Thersia Ann Riggs

Thersia Ann (Stermetz) Riggs Thersia Ann Riggs passed away peacefully on January 5, 2012 at Olympia Manor with her family at her side. Thersia was born in Jenny Lind, Arkansas on December 23, 1924 to Fred and Agnes Stermetz. She was the youngest of three girls. Small, demure and bright, she was lovely. Her family moved to Cle Elum, Washington when she was a baby, where she lived until she married. In 1938 she met Elmer Dwane Riggs, with a twinkle in his eye as always, and being persistent as he was, he won her over and they were married on November 13, 1938. In the first years of their marriage, they lived in a shack in a logging camp. Thersia said she was glad the wedding guests were thoughtful to give her so many blankets! She told tales of snow coming through cracks in the house, rattlesnakes in the garden and of how happy the two of them were. Soon enough Jerry (deceased) came along and then a few years later came Elaine, and time went by. They had lots of good times living a humble and happy existence. Thersia happily kept house and cared for her family, always keeping everyone in line. They often camped, fished and recreated together in the fresh air. In later years, Dwane retired and he and Thersia traveled around the country exploring the beauties of the world. In 2007, Dwane died and Thersia retreated to the comfort of the memories they made and how much they loved each other. She will be remembered as being a strong individual, graceful and proud and for smiles and sweets. She will be mourned by many friends and family, including her daughter and son-in-law Elaine and Henry Gideon, and her four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Her memory will live in our hearts forever. There will be a funeral mass at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Olympia, WA for Thersia on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at noon. Her cremated remains will later be buried at Thorp Cemetery with her husband Dwane and son Jerry. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Please leave memories of Thersia or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.