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Ann Louise Rigby

Ann Louise Rigby

Nov. 22, 1952 - Jun. 26, 2025

Date of Service: Jul. 7, 2025

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SUBLETT – Ann Louise Wagenaar Rigby, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, peacefully passed away on June 26, 2025, at the age of 72. She lived a life marked by faith, service, joy, and a gentle kindness that touched everyone around her.

Ann was born November 22, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, where her father was attending graduate school. Four years later, her family moved to St. Anthony Park in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her brother, John, was born a year later, and she relished the role of older sister. They lived in a three-generation family home on Fulham Street, where she lived a happy childhood full of great friends and memories. Ann kept busy with girl scouts, piano, dance, sewing, and even a short stint in synchronized swimming. She loved all the wonderful neighbors and friends she made there and kept in close contact with them throughout her life.

After attending Murray High School, Ann enrolled in Luther College and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. Upon graduation, she and a friend took an ambitious backpacking trip through Europe, where she especially enjoyed exploring Norway and meeting relatives, as her grandparents had immigrated from there. Her adventurous spirit continued when she applied for a kindergarten teaching position in Malta, Idaho. The postcard photos that she had seen of the state may not have exactly matched the reality, but she felt a deep impression to accept the job and moved over 1,300 miles from home.

In Malta, Ann was set up on a blind date with Steven Rigby, who would later become her husband on October 21, 1978. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on March 25, 1986. The couple settled in nearby Sublett on the Rigby family farm, where Steve built their home. They welcomed their three kids, (Paul) Michael, (Kathryn) Katie, and Jenna here. On top of raising three children, she returned to teaching Kindergarten and loved helping kids in the community learn to read and write. Ann was known for creating engaging ways for her students to learn and spent tireless hours preparing fun activities, often late into the night. She retired from teaching both kindergarten and first grade after 33 years. She was a devoted educator who kept connected with her students and touched many lives over the years.

Ann was always looking towards new adventures and could often be found plotting the next family vacation. She loved traveling, kayaking, cooking, whitewater rafting, and gardening. She spent many wonderful days up at Sublett Reservoir fishing, boating, and going on four-wheeler rides.

Ann was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served a service mission with her husband in the bishop’s storehouse, among many other callings and assignments. She spent her retirement years traveling to one of her favorite places, Alaska, and cruising Hawaii and the Panama Canal. In between traveling, she delighted in the role of doting grandma to her grandkids. Her visits usually included a basket of overflowing games, toys, books and activities. The contents would entertain the children for hours as she played on the floor with them.

Ann is survived by her loving husband, Steven; her three children, Michael (Angela) Rigby, Katie (Brock) Anderson, and Jenna (Justin) Potter; and 12 grandchildren, Cadence, Brennan, EmmaRay, Adelynn, Josiah, Lydia (Rigby), Ava, Evan, Landon, Logan (Anderson), Eli, and Vivian (Potter); and her brother, John (Andrea) Wagenaar.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raphael and Marvel (Bultrud) Wagenaar.

We’d like to express sincere appreciation to Ann’s doctors, caregivers, neighbors, family and friends who stayed connected and helped in various ways.

The funeral will be held at 12:00 Noon, Monday, July 7, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Raft River Ward, located at 2551 East 300 South, Declo, Idaho. Interment will follow at approximately 3:00 p.m. at the Sublett Cemetery.

A viewing will be held that morning, prior to the funeral. Family will be received from 9 until 10 a.m., after which, friends will be received from 10 until 11:45 a.m. at the church.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/5tumEb6Wci4.

Condolences for Ann Louise Rigby

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Rena Bovee:
I'm so sorry to hear of Ann's passing. I enjoyed my time working with her at Raft River Elementary. One of my cherished memories of her was on my first day of teaching school in Malta. My daughter, Angela was going into 8th grade. Ann met us in the parking lot and introduced Angela to Jenna who was also in the 8th grade. She told Jenna to show Angela around the school and introduce her to the other students. Angela breathed a big sigh of relief, and so did I. I will never forget her kindness, not only then, but throughout the 9 years I taught music there, and the various times I have seen her since. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
From Elmoine Wight:
The service was lovely. You kids did your mother proud.
From Kathy Zollinger:
I will miss my good friend. I am so thankful for her as my friend and for her teaching my children to love to read. We spent many hours together teaching at the school and sharing ideas about how we could help the children to become successful. She loved children. She was always so concerned about their well being not only academically but emotionally too. I loved visiting with her and Steve after Roland passed away. Both of them would check up on me and make sure that I had plenty of veggies to eat during the summer and fall. I can't wait until I see her again, after I die. I know she will be waiting for me to get there. I love her for her example of a true disciple of Jesus Christ. I love you Ann.
From Marylynne Nelson:
I loved my dear Ann. We had so many good times together visiting as we served together in the library and visiting back-and-forth. She was always so patient in all her situations and always concerned about others. She loved her Steve and was so concerned about him and she loved her dear family. They were her life. I pray that the Lord may comfort you all and that you may feel her presence from time to time for she will be watching over you.
From Connie Oman:
Ann was a wonderful teacher at Raft River Grade. I knew her when I would sub. A very nice person. The little kids loved her. My best to Ann's family. Love Connie Oman
From Evan Call:
We love Ann through some of the fruits of her life, Katie and Brock. Such wonderful people, we have enjoyed the times we have been with you Ann, in the neighborhood and at church as you have visited. It is so easy to love you through your children and grandchildren.
From Cedric Taylor:
I am sorry to hear about Ann she was a lovely lady and a good friend. This was a complete surprise for me. I hope things are okay with your family.
From Blaine and Delores Campbell:
Ann has inspired generations of learners by teaching hundreds if not thousands to read, write and be better people. All we needed to know we learned in Kindergarten. What a wonderful teacher. Our prayers and love to the family.
From Julie Stahl:
Dearest Ann, you’ve gone too soon but I know you are with the Lord. So many childhood memories from Girl Scouts to Murray to Widjiwagan canoe camp to our cabins. I’ve enjoyed the photos of your lovely family and know how much they will all miss you. Steve, I know how much Ann loved her life with you in Idaho. I have missed her from afar for so long and now grieve the loss of her physical being. But I will carry our memories and her spirit in my heart always. Love to all of Ann’s family, Julie (Bauman) Stahl
From Rhonda Chatterly:
Ann’s passing is was unexpected for me. I have enjoyed her and Steve’s friendship for many years. I was especially tickled that they visited me when I moved and after the passing of my husband. My prayers for comfort for you and your family, Steve.
From Todd and Tina Powers :
We are saddened to hear of Ann’s passing. She’s been a great friend and neighbor. She will be missed so much.
From Yolanda Garcia:
My beautiful Ann, you have gone to the lord. I know we must go to him
Someday But, it’s when we least expect it. Thank you my friend for so many years. I will miss you honey, my prayers go with you all. Enjoy your stay in heaven. Love you, Yolanda and Reynaldo

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