Connie Joan (Larson) Riggins

Connie Joan (Larson) Riggins was born July 6, 1952. She was the daughter of Edward and Phyllis (Lee) Larson. She was born in Wessington Springs, South Dakota where she grew up until her family moved to Salem, Missouri, in 1959. Connie graduated with the class of 1970 from Salem High School. On August 16, 1969, Connie was united in marriage to the love of her life, Darrel R. Riggins. They shared nearly twenty-seven years of marriage, building a family, and creating lasting memories before his passing May 26, 1996. Connie and Darrel were blessed with two children: Benjamin and Deanna, who were the center of her world. Connie was a woman of remarkable skill. A gifted beautician, she earned her cosmetology certificate from Salem College of Hairstyling and delighted clients at Wilma’s Beauty Salon for many years. Connie was also a talented cook and shared her talent throughout the years at Walnut Bowl, Tower Inn, and Montauk State Park. She has made over one thousand fruit cobblers in her restaurant career. Connie worked simultaneously as a beautician and cook until her retirement. Beyond her professional life, Connie’s creativity shined through her sewing, gardening, and woodworking. A woman who always kept busy, she generously shared her time and talents with others. She enjoyed bowling, served as a Girl Scout leader, and cherished her beloved pets. Her grandchildren, Jennifer, Rebecca, Jacob, and Alyssa were the lights of her life. Connie also enjoyed making memories with her sweetheart, and loving companion, Bill Anderson. Connie passed away May 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, at her home in Salem, Missouri, at the age of seventy-two years. She is survived by her loving children: Ben Riggins and wife Karen of Derby, KS and Deanna Stotler and husband Jason of Salem, MO; brothers: Ed Larson and wife Susie of Salem, MO, Rick Larson and wife Tresa of Salem, MO, Gary Larson and wife Shirley of Salem, MO, and Maynard Larson and wife Nickie of Nixa, MO; stepmother: Eleanor Larson of Nixa, MO; loving companion: Bill Anderson of Salem, MO; grandchildren: Jennifer Riggins, Rebecca Riggins, Jacob Stotler, and Alyssa Stotler; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding her in death were her husband: Darrel Riggins; father: Edward Larson; mother: Phyllis (Lee) Larson; and siblings: Carol Larson, John Larson, David Larson, Patty Larson-Wells, and Melinda Larson. Connie will be remembered for her warm smile, generous spirit, and her unwavering love for her family and friends. Her legacy of kindness and creativity will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed. Funeral Services for Connie Joan (Larson) Riggins were held Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Dirk McClure officiating and Ben Riggins sharing the eulogy. Song selections played were “One More Day”, “You Should Be Here”, and “What A Day”. Serving as Pallbearers were Gary Larson, Bryan Larson, Maynard Larson, Colin Parrett, Jim Wood, and Jeremiah Anderson. Burial was in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Online Condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Connie Joan (Larson) Riggins

July 6, 1952 - May 22, 2025