of Batesville, AR
September 19, 1933 - January 14, 2024
Zelpha D. Blankenship Riggs, 90, of Batesville passed away Sunday, January 14, 2024.
She was born September 19, 1933 in Melbourne, Arkansas to Teddy Medley Blankenship and Finne Aslee Neal Blankenship.
Zelpha was a member of Quail Valley Baptist Church and the EHC Club. She loved her family, celebrating her birthdays and all the attention. She loved doing things for others and volunteered for many organizations. Zelpha was very creative and loved crafting, quilting, and leatherworking; she even made hats and blankets for cancer patients. She had kept a beautiful flower garden with lots of bird feeders and loved those red birds. Zelpha was also an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Survivors include her three sons, Harold ''Buck'' Riggs of Batesville, Gary Riggs (Rebecca) of Pfieffer, and Robert Riggs of Cushman; six daughters, Barbara Tims of Batesville, Brenda Schmitz of Missouri, Linda Reynolds (Joe) of Queen Creek, Arizona, Belinda Burns of Batesville, Stephanie Stout of Batesville, and Phyllis Riley (Tim) of Newark; twenty-two grandchildren; fifty-two great-grandchildren; eleven great-great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Cleo Edward Riggs; one son, Arthur 'Eddie'' Riggs; four grandsons, Brandon Tims, Justin MacQuilkin, Allen Riggs, and Charles Riggs; one great-grandson, Dalton Tims; one great-granddaughter, Kailey Gordon; three brothers, Nelson Blankenship, Robert C. Blankenship, William Blankenship; and two sisters, Edith Morehead and Jessie Blankenship.
Pallbearers are Larry Tims, John Cain, Dean Cain, Ricky McClurg, Justin Roberts, and Jeff Son. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Reynolds, Tim Riley, and all of her grandchildren.
Funeral services will begin at 1:00pm Thursday, January 18, 2024 at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home with Robert Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Combs Cemetery in Melbourne.
Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00pm Thursday, January 18, 2024 just prior to service at the funeral home
Memorials may be made in her honor to Quail Valley Baptist Church, 4000 Harrison Street, Batesville, AR 72501, Combs Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 1001, Melbourne, AR 72556, or to American Cancer Society, 2222 Cottondale Lane #310, Little Rock, AR 72202.
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15 Condolence(s)
Cindy Long
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Was so sad to hear of the recent passing of Ms. Riggs. What wonderful memories of her as a child and an adult. Her crafting and quilting skills beyond belief. To my sweet friend Barbara and the rest of the family I will be keeping you all in my prayers. With my deepest sympathy and condolences, Cindy Long
Jill Dockins
Monday, January 29, 2024
I just saw where Ms. Zelda had passed away. She was a sweet, caring person and I always enjoyed visiting with her. My prayers go out to her family.
Katrina Rowe Fudge
Thursday, January 18, 2024
What a precious lady. She will be missed by many. I know Heaven is celebrating to have her home in Heaven with Him. Praying for the family.
Veronica Riggs Kegley
Thursday, January 18, 2024
So sorry for your loss Dean was a fine lady, and loved by many.
Carolyn Bradley
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Gary so sorry you lost your beautiful mother. Thinking of you and your family. Prayers for family comfort.
Jean Burns
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
I knew Ms. Zelpha from church when I lived in Batesville. She was always so kind and always smiling. A true Christian lady.
I pray that God will give peace and comfort her dear family.
Edward and Sharon Dunnem
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
We will miss Sister Zelpha. she was a womderful christian lady in our Sunday School class for many years.
Dianne Kimbrough
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Dear Belinda was sorry to hear about the passing of your dear mother. I remember her as a sweet lady. ?????
Sharon Naulls
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
So sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless each and everyone and my prayers are with you.
Patricia Bunn
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Sending prayers and love for all her family. I love you all.
Danny J Mitchell
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Prayers for family, Linda and I thought so much of Zelpha a great Lady
Marvin and Janelle Reeves
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Belinda, Barbara and all of the family,
Your momma was always so kind. Our thought and prayers are with you all.
Janelle
Glenda Griffin
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
May God be with you and your family Phyllis. We love you.
Ron Trusty
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Lived across the street from the family in 1969. The entire family was nice to us. She raised her kids right. Sweet lady.
Truie Olinger
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Prayers for family. Barbara my prayers are with you.