Ruth Ann Rodney Riggs, 75, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2024. Born in Corning, Arkansas, on April 2, 1949, to Haldane and Edna Viola Rodney, she was raised in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Ruth was the youngest and last surviving of ten siblings.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Jackie Laron Riggs.

Ruth's life was defined by love, service, and dedication to her family and community.

After moving to Little Rock at 18 to live with her brother, Charles Rodney, Ruth began her career at the Arkansas Democrat, where she met her future husband, Laron. They married and had two children: Gregory Laron Riggs (Randi) and Lori Ann Williamson (Kyle). Ruth was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She leaves behind her four cherished grandchildren: Lauren Williamson and Kylee Gogus (Cody) who knew her as "Meme," and Ryan and Jaxon Riggs, who knew her as "Mimi," as well as one great-grandchild, Easton Gogus. Ruth also shared a special bond with her nieces, nephews, and close friends, and a special relationship with nephews Johnny Saylors and Jimmy Rodney, and great-niece Ashley Saylors.

Ruth was a trailblazer in her professional life as well. After the birth of her first child, she earned her nursing license and worked at Memorial Hospital. Ruth then took a position at UAMS, where she served as an assistant to the anesthesiologist for one of the first heart transplant teams in Arkansas.

But for many, Ruth is most fondly remembered for her years spent at Geyer Springs Ballpark, where she ran the concession stand and became a fixture in the community.

Ruth's generosity and spirit of service extended beyond the ballpark, where she organized numerous fundraising efforts and employed many local teenagers. Ruth's care for the young people she worked with was unmatched, and she often considered them part of her extended family, taking them on vacations and nurturing lifelong friendships.

Ruth's warm and giving nature extended to everyone she encountered. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the many lives she touched throughout her life. Special thanks to Belinda Knight and Josh Ross for their unwavering care and support of Aunt Ruth and Mimi/Meme during her final years. Ruth's legacy of kindness, dedication, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025 from 4:00-5:30 p.m., followed by a small service from 5:30-6:00 p.m. at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant, Arkansas.