Jacqueline S (Jacque) Rigg

Jacqueline S. (Jacque) Rigg, age 91, entered Heaven on June 27, 2015 in Edmond, Oklahoma after a valiant struggle with multiple health issues over the last year. She was strong to the very end. Jacque’s loving family was by her side through every step of her journey home. Jacque is survived by her children William Rigg Jr. (wife Barbara) OF Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, Emily Wilhite (husband Jim) of Edmond, Okla., Susan Airington (husband Larry) of Edmond, Okla., and her brother, John Walton (wife Mag) of Tulsa. Also surviving are her 9 grandchildren, Jeff Rigg, Kevin Rigg, Kim Knudsen, Steven Rigg, Sarah Grote, Laura Franklin, Megan Airington, Emily Heck,Travis Airington and 24 great-grandchildren who knew her affectionately as Memaw. Jacque was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Bill in 2011; her parents Ray and Mattie Walton; and her sister Joyce Whitzel. Jacque was born July 15, 1923 in Blackwell, Oklahoma. After graduating high school in Ponca City she began college at North Oklahoma Junior College (now NOC) in Tonkawa. It was there that she met the love of her life, Bill Rigg. Bill interrupted his education and enlisted in the Army to serve our country in World War II. One of his last training assignments before being sent overseas was in King City, CA. Jacque accepted Bill’s marriage proposal and took the train by herself to California. They were married in Carmel, California on September 11, 1943 at the Church Of The Wayfarer. During World War II, Mrs. Rigg assisted with the training of British pilots in the Link Trainer for instrument flying. After Bill returned from the war, he completed his engineering degree at Oklahoma State University and soon thereafter accepted employment with Phillips Petroleum Company. Jacque and Bill moved between Oklahoma, Texas, Illinois, and New Mexico in his early career assignments. Son Bill Jr. was born in Ponca City in 1946, daughter Emily was born in Indiana in 1951, and daughter Susan was born in New Mexico in 1952. The family put down roots in Bartlesville, Oklahoma for the children’s formative years. Jacque was a stay at home mom except for occasional stints as a substitute teacher. There she became active in all the kids activities, PEO, the church, and various bridge clubs. She took up golf and became the favorite partner of husband Bill. She was always the ultimate provider for the family. Jacque was a person of unconditional love for family and friends. She was the sweetest person one would ever meet. We will keep her in our hearts forever and miss her immensely. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 30 from 6 – 8 pm at the Stumpff Funeral Home, 1600 S.E. Washington, Bartlesville. Services will be held at Bartlesville First Church, 4715 Price Road in Bartlesville on Wednesday, July 1 at 2 P.M. with Reverend Tari Carbaugh officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Bartlesville next to her beloved Bill. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank Touchmark at Coffee Creek, and Angie Loveless for the tender care they provided during Jacque’s transition.

Jacqueline S (Jacque) Rigg

July 15, 1923 - June 27, 2015