Marlene Marie Rigg, age 83, of Rapid River passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 28, 2021.
She was born in Jackson, Michigan to Bernard and Ellean Bradley in 1938. After completing high school, she pursued a degree at Great Lakes Bible College (now known as Great Lakes Christian College) and married her sweetheart, Garth Rigg. They had four children: Bradley, Andrew, Laura (Holderman), and Sarah, who grew up with their parents in Escanaba.
Marlene was a born again Christian and with Garth was one of the founding members of Lakeside Church of Christ (now known as Lakeside Christian Church) in Escanaba. Calling Lakeside her church home for over 54 years, she was heavily involved in Bible studies, women’s groups, Sunday School, choir, and more there. She also had a deep love of theater, appearing in numerous plays with the Players de Noc, including her final role in Arsenic and Old Lace in her late 70s. Additionally, she performed novelty songs from the late 1800s for decades with a local comedy-musical group she helped found, The Doily Sisters.
In addition to her work as a medical receptionist at a local doctor’s office, Marlene volunteered for a variety of nonprofit organizations including hospice and serving as a board member for a local assisted living community. She was active in multiple book clubs and estimated she had read more than 30,000 books in the course of her life.
Marlene was courageous, surviving the death of her spouse of more than 40 years, multiple bouts of cancer, a serious car crash, and other serious health crises. She considered herself an introvert, but loved to talk to strangers and make friends with them in grocery store lines and on airplanes. She was a loving and supportive mother to her children and fiercely loyal to her friends. She was also hilarious, with a sense of humor she self-described as “earthy.” She cracked jokes all the way through the final hours of her life.
Marlene was predeceased by her parents, husband, and love of her life, Garth, and all five of her siblings. She is survived by four loving children; two sons-in-law; one daughter-in-law; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews, nieces, and friends.
The family will receive friends on Monday, January 3 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Lakeside Christian Church in Escanaba. Funeral services will follow at 6:00 PM.
It was Marlene’s wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to Lakeside Christian Church, Escanaba, MI or Great Lakes Christian College, Lansing, MI.
The Rigg family is being assisted by the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba.
Elizabeth Hansen - Williamsburg , VA
A special lady to many and loving friend to most. We had the pleasure of Mrs Riggs loving kindness being a “neighbor” just down the road. She taught our son Latin, he mowed grass and ran errand for her, we had an unforgettable tea party at our home, she allowed our kids to play dress up and told us stories of old. She will be missed but no doubt she is where she always wanted to be – in the loving arms of Our Savior. Until we meet again Mrs. Rigg!
Arlene Marohnic - Rapid River , Mi
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all your family. I’ve only known Marlene for a few years, but in that time I found a great lady. May your sorrow be softened knowing she’s not suffering anymore and know she with the Lord. God Bless
Vonda J. Hittle - Mishawaka, In
We rejoice that she and Garth are together while heaven has a beautiful soprano with his tenor. My love to each you from all our family..with our deepest sympathy. Till we meet again at His feet
Janet Hopkins Cast - Topeka, KS
My loving, funny but serious Christian cousin will be missed by all, but we rejoice that she is out of pain in the arms of Jesus. As her only cousin left to be a light in this scary world, I will remember our commitment to have a strong faith and a witness to our family, friends and neighbors. Our responsibility. My arms are around you all, as we all mourn in each our own way.
Dan Holderman - Warsaw , In
My Greatest memories of Marlene was her overwhelming love of people .
First meeting she was having a pizza bake and invited me over to have homemade pizza Sarah had friends over and they welcomed me.
We had drove 9 hrs from Etna Green Indiana
She also loved photography I made her a coffee table book of photos .
Marlene & Garth we’re a great couple now in Heaven we celebrate the life and their legacy of Laura-Sarah-Bradley-Andrew my thoughts and prayers for your emotional healing and remember her walk with Christ shined through with her smile.
Mary Cary Crawford - BARK RIVER, MI
I first met Marlene as a frequent patron of the library checking out a large stack of books usually with Garth at her side with an equally large stack. I enjoyed watching her on the stage with Players de Noc and more recently got to know her a little better through book club. Her hearty laugh, sense of humor, and lovely smile will remain a fond memories.
Cathy Wilson - Escanaba , MI
My condolences to Dear Marlene’s family. She has left a wonderful legacy in her beautiful family. Marlene was a beautiful person. She was very smart and very funny. I was fortunate to hang out with Marlene on the stage, with the Doilies, and in our book club. She made all of these adventures better for me with her presence. I have missed her as it’s been a while since I’ve gotten to spend time with her and I will miss her always. I’m grateful to have called her my friend.