Judith Ann "Judy" (Maple) Riggs , age 90 of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 12, 2025 just one week after celebrating her 90th birthday surrounded by family and friends.  She lived a long, full life and often said she "should write a book, but no one would believe it".  Judy was born July 5, 1935 in Elwood, the daughter of Arnold and Helen (Smith) Maple.  She married her soulmate, Lambert L. Riggs on October 24, 1953, and they shared over 57 years of marriage together.  Judy was a devoted homemaker and farm wife who truly loved caring for her family.

Judy was a strong woman, raising three boys spread out over 14 years, and somehow managed to keep up with them all.  She worked hard most of her adult life on their hog farm.  She was involved in raising 4,500 hogs farrow to finish per year and could keep up with any man working beside her.  The farm, just off State Road 26 in Fairmount with its big pig statue out front, became a local landmark.

She was a great cook with her secret ingredient being a pinch of sugar that she added to just about anything – her mashed potatoes, green beans, vegetable soup, and more!  She could whip up a pie from scratch in no time.  Every Christmas, she'd make her homemade famous red cake, "Gone With the Wind" rice krispy treats, chocolate sheet cake, and cherry delight.

Judy loved playing board games – Monopoly, Hi Ho! Cherry-O, Chutes and Ladders, you name it.  Even when her grandkids were all grown, she kept that playful, loving spirit and was always up for just about anything.  That same energy carried over to her years working at the V.F.W. in Kokomo, where she called out bingo numbers and made great friends.  In recent years, Thursdays meant Swiss Steak at Lincoln Square, her very favorite.  She also loved the smoked pork chop at Andy's Diner and the tenderloin at The Tin Plate.  Her go-to treat were cherry Coke and chocolate ice cream from Taylor's Dairy.  She also loved fried fish, geraniums, horses, and anything in her favorite color – red.  She was a night-owl who enjoyed watching TV – perhaps a ball game, QVC, or a good old-fashioned western.

Judy was a dedicated sports fan, especially when it came to the NBA and college football.  She kept up with all the games and could rattle off scores and stats.  Even on the night of her 90th birthday, she was cheering for the Indiana Fever.  Her love of sports ran deep, so much so that back in high school, she even tried to start the first-ever girls' basketball team.  The school ultimately wouldn't let her, but that didn't stop her from loving the game all her life.  Judy's family will miss her stories, her sweet spirit, and her contagious grin; but are so grateful for the 90 years she had on earth.

Judy's surviving family includes a sister, Connie Riggs of Florida; son, Randy (Gina) Riggs of Evans, Georgia; daughter-in-law, Betsy Riggs; 6 grandchildren, Brandi (Cole) Flittner, Jenni (Charlie) Smith, Stacy (Dean) Carrigan, Adam Riggs, Alex (Kaelyn) Riggs, and Olivia Riggs; great-grandchildren, Oliver Smith, Jacqueline Smith, Bennett Carrigan, and Blakely Carrigan; and several nieces and nephews.  Judy was greeted in Heaven by her parents; husband, Lambert; two sons, Steven Jay Riggs and Samuel Aaron Riggs; and sister, Jane Ridgeway.

A funeral service celebrating Judy's life will be held at 4:00 pm on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with family friend, Mitchell Haynes officiating.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 4 pm prior to the funeral at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Cremation will follow the services.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the charity of the donor's choice.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.