of Jonesboro, AR

May 19, 1946 - June 2, 2024

Noe Stephen Riga, known to his family and friends as Steve, passed away Sunday, June 2, 2024 at the Arkansas Continued Care in Jonesboro, AR at the age of 78. Steve was born May 19, 1946 in Jonesboro to Frank and Katherine (Green) Riga. He proudly served in the United States Army for 24 years, where he was awarded the Purple Heart. Steve worked in the IT department at ASU until retiring. He was of the Catholic belief. Steve loved working with his hands, tinkering, going to Kroger and the Farmer's Market and meeting people wherever he went. There are many words to describe Steve: patriotic, God-fearing, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. Hardworking. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Mentor to many, Selfless to a fault. Honorable wounded Vietnam Veteran. Loyal, humble, heart of gold. Inspiring John Deere enthusiast! He had a genuine love for God's creation and spending time outdoors.

Steve lived out his dream of building a forever home on family land. Fiercely protective of family. A man of few words… a doer, not a talker. Anytime you asked him how he felt he would reply, ''with my fingers'' or ''fine as frog hair split 3 ways''.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and 8 siblings, Sister Petra, Joan McConnel, Ivo Riga, Jane Ferguson, Rita Riga, Roy Riga, Leo Riga and Martha Uebehlor.

Those left behind to cherish the wonderful memories of Steve include his wife of 28 years, Anita (Perry) Riga; a son, Brian (Tera) Riga; a step daughter, LaRae (Roy) Puckett; seven grandchildren, Brianna (Jake) Martin, Tanner (Abby) Puckett, Colson (Lizzie) Puckett, Bethany Riga, Conner (Taylor) Puckett, Elijah Riga and Lincoln Puckett; one great-grandchild, Luca Martin and a brother, Guy Riga; along with many family members and friends.

Graveside service will be private.

The visitation will be held 5-7 pm Wednesday evening at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home, 1900 West Washington Avenue in Jonesboro.

Tanner Puckett, Jake Martin, Conner Puckett, Elijah Riga, Lincoln Puckett and Rob Kline will proudly serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Colson Puckett and Roy Puckett.

''Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests lasting memorials be made in Steve's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home
1900 West Washington Ave.
Jonesboro, AR  72401
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com