Laura Vernice Riggs (nee Shepherd), age 98 of Troy, IL, born February 12, 1927, in Salem, MO, passed away on Monday July 28, 2025, with family by her side.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Edward Otis Riggs, whom she married on March 23, 1946, and passed on April 11, 1999. A son, Edward Ray Riggs, who passed May 11, 2004. Her parents, John and Hattie (nee Cobb) Shepherd. Four brothers: Cissero, Ozero, James and Willard Shepherd. Five sisters, Viola, Jewel, Minnie, Nora and Lillie Mae. And son-in-law, Kenneth Quinlan.

Surviving are three daughters: Karen (Michael) Miller of Maryville, IL, Carol Quinlan of Bethalto, IL, and Linda (Phil) Cohn of Maryville, IL. Six grandchildren: Kelly (Dan Lewis) Sandlin, Jennifer (Paco) Gallegos, Jill Barker, Lori (Doug) Shaak, Christopher (Alicia Furlong) Miller, and Scott (Nikki) Riggs. Seven great-grandchildren: Bradley Barker, Joel Barker, Brooke Barker, Paige (Matt) Mohan, Hailey (Nathan Colten) Noll, Kyler Riggs, and Dillon Riggs. Three great-great grandchildren: Ayven, Esmae and Maeve.

Laura was a member of Emmaus Baptist Church, Courtois, MO, and was a regular attendee of First Baptist Church of Maryville, IL.

Laura was an expert seamstress and sewed for two department stores plus family and friends until her children reached school age. She then worked outside the home and retired from St. Mary's Hospital in East St. Louis, IL.

After retiring, she and Edward traveled extensively, visiting every state including Alaska and Hawaii. They also loved doing crafts and were a part of many craft shows until Edward was no longer able. After his death, she volunteered at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL for many years and was a member of the CMT YMCA in Maryville.

Visitation will be 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, Maryville, IL.

Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. officiated by Rev. Dr. Tom Hufty. Entombment will be in Valhalla Cemetery in Belleville, IL.

Memorials are suggested to Heartland Hospice and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.