Matilda "Tillie" Riggs

Matilda "Tillie" Riggs

Matilda "Tillie" Riggs passed away July 1, 2018 surrounded by family.

She was born July 19, 1939 in Fort Wayne, IN to Louis A. Gocke Jr. and Georgia P. (Clevenger) Gocke. She married her best friend and love of her life for 56 years, William, on November 25, 1961. Tillie worked for Hubscher & Son for over 20 years manning the scale house, and was well loved by those who worked with her.

Known for her beautiful needlework, Tillie greatly enjoyed sewing, crocheting, quilting, or cross stitching, and always had a project in its beginning or finishing stages. Tillie loved giving back to her community, taking many opportunities throughout her life to give back through volunteer service. She served as a member of the Parks & Recreation Commission during the 1970's on a community improvement committee, and helped with several national censuses. For many years she was very active with Women of the Moose. Tillie was also passionate about spending time with her family, hosting all major holidays and family events in her home. Later in her life, she could often be found spending time with her grandchildren, going to their concerts, competitions, plays, and 4H events. She enjoyed celebrating the accomplishments of her family, and made sure they knew she was proud of them through her kind words of encouragement. Tillie always had a word of advice or wisdom for anyone she met, and was always looking for ways in which she could help others.

She is survived by her daughter Lisa and son-in-law Gerry Sims of Shepherd, grandchildren Samantha and Kyle, nephew Jordan VanAtten and sister Saundra Dull, daughter Michelle Herbert, and other numerous nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by husband William Riggs, her parents, sister Jacqueline Gocke, brothers Louis A. Gocke III and Howard Gocke, and niece Kelly Riggs.

A memorial service will be held at Central Michigan Christian Church in Mt. Pleasant on Sunday, July 29, 2018 at 3 p.m. You may view Matilda's online obituary at www.maierfuneralhome.com .

The family has entrusted arrangements to Maier Family Funeral Home, Weidman, 989-644-5000.