Ruby Riggan

September 27, 1915

October 12, 2004

LEOLA -- Ruby Inez McCartney Riggan, 89, of Leola, died Wednesday.

She was born Sept. 27, 1915, at Washburn Valley, a daughter of the late Bert McCartney and Minnie McCartney.

She was a graduate of Greenwood High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Hendrix College and a master's degree from Henderson State University.

She taught school in the Leola School District for 36 years.

She had been a member of Leola United Methodist Church since 1936, serving as organist/pianist.

She was a member of the Grant County Retired Teachers Association, Arkansas Education Association, National Education Association and AARP.

She was also a correspondent for the Sheridan Headlight for many years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Arlin Riggan; one sister, Reata Scharbor; and one grandson.

Survivors include one son, Tommy Riggan of Leola; one daughter, Linda Riggan McCurdy of Norman, Okla.; two brothers, John McCartney and Alton McCartney, both of Washburn Valley; one sister, Lois Lewis of Washburn Valley; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home at Sheridan with Terry Mann officiating. Burial will be in Leola Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Leola United Methodist Church, the Leola Cemetery Association or the American Heart Association.

(Obituary provided by Ilene Jeffers)