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.
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21 Condolence(s)
Jeff & Jolene Osburn
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Our deepest sympathy you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May the Lord bless & keep you all.
Greg, Kelly Ferguson and family
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Prayers for you and yours, our hearts hurt for your loss of a wonderful Man, Uncle to me. I will always remember his BIG smile and the way he made you feel at home...no matter where you were.
Much love to the family. I know it hurts.
Michelle Montes-Scott
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
May you rest in peace!! Love you always and forever
Linda Gonzales Martinez
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
REST IN PEACE MY FELLOW VETERAN; WITH OPEN ARMS YOU HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY THE BEST; YOUR JOB ON EARTH IS DONE WITH PERFECTION; YOU ARE A PERSON TO NOT SIT STILL, SO YOUR TO DO LIST IS WAITING, LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK MY PRIMO, LINDA MARTINEZ
Kelly and Mark Davis
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Praying for comfort and peace during this difficult time for your family. Our deepest sympathy.
Justin Gibson
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
From the Gibson family. Justin, Starla, Elijah and Christopher. Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to the family on your loss. Mr Riga was a great man.
Richard and Carolyn Woodrum
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
We are proud to have known you! We love your granddaughters like our own. Prayers for all of the families we have grown to love them all.
Randy Waterbeck
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Rest easy Mr. Riga
Mike & Linda Griffin
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. God Bless you all.
Debbie Greene
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
To the family and my friends the Puckett family. May God grant you strength and comfort as you walk this season of sadness. Let the beautiful memories overflow and peace will find you. God bless you all.
Debbie Greene.
Lynna Montes
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
May you rest In paradise Uncle Steve!
Joe Williamson
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
I always enjoyed time spent with Steve, he was one of the kindest souls I've ever known. He will be missed.
Greg Williamson
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
The day I came to work for IT at ASU I was introduced to Steve and told he would be my supervisor. We were friends from that day forward. There was not a better friend a person could have than Steve.
David and Kelley Williamson
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
I’m so very sorry to hear this news. Dave lost his dad about 14 years ago and I lost my dad almost 4 years ago, so we know the feeling all too well. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Anthony Montes
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
God Bless you Uncle Steve !
Thank you for your service !
Mark Scott
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
My condolences to Steve's family and friends and all who had known him. May God Bless and Comfort all in this time of need. May the Love of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you Always. Amen!
Michelle Trujillo
Monday, June 3, 2024
Rest in Peace Uncle Steve
Scott and Karen Griffin
Monday, June 3, 2024
Thinking of you and your family; Our deepest sympathy.
Mark Mills
Monday, June 3, 2024
Mr. Riga will be greatly missed on my mail route. He always took time to talk with me and kept it short but always meaningful. Mr. and Mrs. Riga always gave me a Christmas card and I always felt like he wrote in it himself personally and he personally put the tip in it as well. He always thanked me for doing my job and his Christmas cards that I wrote. It’s always good to have the Riga’s and Thompson’s at the end of your mail route to brighten up your long day alone. Thank you Mr Riga, I hope I show the comradery, appreciation, courage, and fidelity to others as you have shown me.
Mark Wade
Monday, June 3, 2024
Hate this I got to know Steve at ASU, he was a great guy. Prayers for his family.
Sharon Rye
Monday, June 3, 2024
My Heart is broken I will miss running into Steve at Walmart. He was a great boss.