Our dear mother, grandmother and friend passed at age 88, Monday, February 13th, 2012. She was born October 31,1923 in Junction, Utah, daughter of Sarah Ellen Flanders and Fred Andrew Gavin. She graduated from high school in 1942, traveled to Salt Lake City and secured a job at Remington Arms during World War II. While living there, she met Christian Anthony Riegger, Jr. on a blind date. They married on November 24th, 1943 in Evanston, Wyoming. They were married for 64 years filled with life’s experiences of challenges, illness, joy and much love!
She loved working in her yard (even into her 80’s), tending to her roses and nurturing the vegetable plants, especially tomatoes. She enjoyed sewing, and made beautiful items to wear. As a leader of numerous Girl Scout troops for over 14 years, she shared her passion for the outdoors with her girls. She and Chris loved camping trips and playing cards with their group of friends that traveled together. Raye, was a ‘master crafter’, creating numerous unique jeweled Christmas ornaments, and decorations for all the holidays. Later in life, she began scrapbooking the history of her family and making beautiful albums. She taught her children and grandchildren about her heritage through her stories and the pictures of many generations seen displayed throughout her home.
Raye is survived by four children: Aunda Ellen Madsen [UT], Christian Anthony, III, ‘Tony’ [WY], Ronald Charles and Brandy [HA], and Bryan Raymond and Becky [UT]; grandchildren Angella Doman, Camille and John Stowe, Robert and Tina Madsen, Richard and Kristy Madsen, Sheila and Christopher Kirkpatrick, Christian Anthony, IV, Rhonda and Zane Latimer, Ronnie Riegger and Lauren Riegger; 22 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandsons. Also surviving her are her sister-in-law Norma Riegger [MD], ex-daughter-in-law Connie Brown and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her sweetheart Chris, Grandmother who raised her, mother, father, sisters Venice Callahan, LaRue Couron, Ann Riegger, brothers-in-law Bob Riegger, Louis Couron and Jim Callahan.
The family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to, Rose Walkingshaw, for the loving care and friendship she gave our Mother.
A Graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 10600 South 1950 East, Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held from 12:30 – 1:45 p.m. prior to the service. Interment at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.Larkincares.com
Bryan I so know the hurt you feel, my freindship and herat has always been athough nobody know…..
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. Raye and Chris were wonderful neighbors. We really enjoyed spending time with them including a few New Year’s Eves. Raye is going to be greatly missed. We are glad that she will finally be reunited with the love of her life, Chris.
Earl and Cindy Lund