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In memory of

Zola Riggins

of Wanblee, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City at the age of 76

Zola Mae Fite was born February 15, 1930 in Tolesboro, Kentucky, the daughter of Aure M. and Roma V. (Searl) Fite. At the age of three, she moved with her parents to a ranch south of Cottonwood, South Dakota. She grew up on the ranch and attended rural school in the Cottonwood area. She graduated from Kadoka High School in 1947.

Zola was united in marriage to Rex L. Riggins on October 15, 1947 in Pierre, South Dakota. They made their home on a ranch ten miles west of Wanblee all their married life.

In 1948 and 1949, she taught school at the Eagle Nest Rural School south of Wanblee. While she was raising a family, she substitute taught at Garner Rural School near their ranch. In the early 70’s she taught at the Wanblee Public School until retiring in 1994.

After her husband’s death on June 17, 1992, she continued to reside on the ranch until moving into Philip in October 2002.

Zola enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in the outdoors, especially fishing. She loved to do crafts and write poetry and to this point has had two books of poetry published. Outside of her family, her most joyous times were teaching the children at the Wanblee Public School.

Zola was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Kadoka, and after moving to Philip attended the United Church in Philip.

Grateful for having shared her life are two daughters Zoni Thorson and her husband Corky of Philip, and Jan Schaefer and her husband Walt of Wall; nine grand- children, Jody, Julie, Quentin, Matthew, Cody, Erin, Mallory, Megan, and Michaela; three great-grandchildren Jamie Marie, Taylor Mae, and Cody Joseph, Jr.; one brother Maurice Fite and his wife Vickie of Philip; one sister Barbara Diver of St. Louis, Missouri; a daughter in-law Debbie Prouty and her husband Joe of Philip; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband Rex, Zola was preceded in death by two sons Tim and Guy Riggins; a grandson Jamie "Spud" Gittings; her parents; four brothers Vernley, Aurelius, Glen, and Leslie Fite; and two sisters Marjorie Levy and Darlene Percy.

Visitation was held 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 14, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the auditorium on Monday.

Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 15, at the Kadoka City Auditorium, with Pastor Gary McCubbin and Pastor Mark Ford officiating.

Interment was in the Kadoka Cemetery.

A memorial is established.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Monday, May 15, 2006 10:00 a.m.
Kadoka City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Gary McCubbin
Pastor Mark Ford
MUSIC
Grace DeVries– Prelude/Postlue Pianist
Malary Schaefer - Pianist
Julie Neugebauer - Vocalist
"Here I Am Lord"
Malary Schaefer - Pianist
Walt Schaefer - Vocalist
"Children of the Heavenly Father"
Piano Solo - Malary Schaefer
"In The Garden"
USHERS
Sterling Riggins – Bradley Riggins
Steve Martinez – Boyd Thorson
PALLBEARERS
Jody Gittings – Quentin Riggins
Matthew Schaefer – Cody Riggins
Vernie Fite – David Fite
Bryon Fite – Everette Fite – Greg Neugebauer
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICES
Monday, May 15, 2006 10:00 a.m.
Kadoka City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota

  • ZOLA WAS ONE OF THE BEST TEACHERS I EVER HAD DURING PUBLIC SCHOOL DAYS IN THE 80'S SHE WAS COMPASSIONATE KIND AND ALWAYS HAD A SMILE IT IS A SHOCK TO HEAR OF HER PASSING BUT JUST TO REMEMBER THAT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HER WHEN SHE WAS ON EARTH ~ Clem Holyeagle P.O. Box 167, Wanblee, SD 57577 (5/9/2006)
  • To Matt and family, i know how much Zola meant to you guys. Often when talking to Matt on the phone he was at his grandmas or else heading that way sometime. You guys are in my prayers in thoughts. ~ Scotty O'Bryan Belvidere, SD (5/9/2006)
  • Please accept our deep sympathy because of your recent loss of your mother. May the memories of yesterday stay with you always bringing you some comfort. Also, may the strength that Almighty God supplies help all of you to cope now and in the days ahead. ~ Anna Kindred New York (5/9/2006)
  • Zoni, Jan, and families,
    I want to express my most sincere sympathy to you at this time and the days to come. Take comfort in your memories of pleasant times spent with this wonderful woman, your mother. I always enjoyed working with her in our connections through the schools. She was always so helpful and willing to do whatever needed done. My memories of her are precious to me. God Bless you all. Joyce     ~ Joyce Richardson Long Valley, SD (5/9/2006)
  • Zoni, Jan, Jody and Julie and the whole Riggins Family,
    I was saddened to hear about Zola. She was like a second grandmother to me while Julie and I were growing up. I remember when we had holidays together. I remember one in particular where we were at Grandma Margaret's house and "Santa" came to visit. I was so afraid and I hid behind Zola at the kitchen table. She just held me and told me everything would be fine. It was her love and kindness that I will always remember. Zola will hold a special place in my heart as I'm sure she will in all of your hearts. I hope that you all are doing ok. I miss you. I am sorry I couldn't make it back for the funeral. Know that my prayers are with you all. Love, Mary     ~ Mary Gittings Quinn Craig, CO (5/9/2006)
  • Aunt Zola was a great woman. I loved visiting with her and listening to all her wonderful stories. She will be dearly missed. ~ Kim & Doug Morris & Daughters Kaycee & Linzee 13402 Old National Pike, Mt. Airy, MD 21771 (5/9/2006)
  • Grandma, I am very thankful for the years we had together. As I get ready to graduate from law school tomorrow I take comfort in knowing that while you may not be with us anymore the many things you taught me over the years will always be a part of who I am. Like Jody I am also glad you do not have to suffer any longer and that you are with those who left us too soon. Though I will miss the times we had together, I will always remember the stories and make sure my children know how wonderful you were.

    Love Always
    Quentin     ~ Quentin Riggins Vermillion, SD (5/9/2006)
  • Jan, Zoni, and Families~
    What a trying time for you all, I am so sorry! Losing the matriarchs of a family is so hard, they carry so many of the traditions and values of our families with them. I hope you have many vivid and wonderful memories of your mom to hold close. These will truly sustain you in the days ahead.
    Blessings to you,
    Vonda     ~ Vonda Hamill Milesville, SD (5/9/2006)
  • Thanks for the wonderful memories grandma. I only wish I could be half as tough as you were. I am grateful for all the advice over the years, especially "all we can do is try our best". I am proud and honored to be your grandson. I am glad you are no longer suffering. I will miss you dearly, but I know you have moved on to a better place where you can be with our other loved ones.
    With all my love,
    Jody     ~ Jody Gittings Philip, SD (5/9/2006)
  • Zoni, Jan and Families
    I am so sorry to hear about your Mom she was such a sweet kind lady. I have alot of fond memories of her and will cherish them for ever. May god be with you and give you strength to get through this difficult time. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless     ~ Tana (Kukal) O'Connor Belle Fourche, SD (5/9/2006)
  • Zoni, Julie, Jody & Family
    You are in our thoughts and Prayers. God Bless You and Be with You All during this difficult time.
    Our Deepest Condolences,
    Roger, Valerie & Erica     ~ Roger, Valerie, & Erica Williams Philip, SD (5/9/2006)