Obituary: Helen Francis Rigg

Helen Francis Rigg (1918 – 2018)

Age 99, passed away Sunday, April 15, 2018 in her home. She was born April 23, 1918 in Mosquito Twp., IL, the daughter of Walter B. & Freda F. (Elder) Butterfield. Helen moved to Michigan 59 years ago from Niantic, IL. She worked for Double A Products. Helen was a member of the Manchester United Methodist Church, Life Member and Past Matron of Eastern Star Chapter #311 in Saline, and member and Past President of American Legion Auxiliary Emil Jacob Post. She was a Civil Service Award recipient.

On Sept. 1, 1940, she married John B. Rigg in the Berea Christian Church, Mt. Auburn, IL, and he preceded her in death on Aug. 28, 1995. Survivors include two sons, Richard J. & Mary Lou Rigg of Chelsea & Ronald Rigg of Volcano, Hawaii; four grandchildren, Sara Rigg Leblanc, Dan Rigg, Mary Rigg Oesterle, John Rigg; 5 great-grandchildren; a sister, Shirley Rager of Latham, IL; and a brother, John Butterfield of Decatur, IL. She was preceded in death by two sons, James & Robert; a sister, Virginia Hawley; three brothers, Dean, Robert, and Ralph Butterfield.

On Sunday, April 22nd, friends and family visited and gathered for food and celebration in the Social Hall of Manchester First United Methodist Church. A memorial service for Helen followed in the sanctuary of the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Manchester First United Methodist Church or The American Legion Auxiliary Emil Jacob Post. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Manchester. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.