Cheryl Dean Riggs

Jan 13, 1947 -

May 29, 2020

Cheryl Dean Riggs, 73, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2020, in Klamath Falls, Ore. She was born in Klamath Falls, to Buck and Juanita Stoehsler. She graduated from Henley High School in 1965. From 1979-2017, she resided in Wasilla and Palmer, Alaska.

In 1979, she and John hauled the family up the Alcan Highway and settled in the Valley. They spent the next 35 years working, raising kids and showing anyone who wanted to tag along the Alaska experience.

Cheryl worked side by side with John at Great Northern Engineering for 32 years. But before that Cheryl earned her master's degree in education at the University of Oregon. She loved working in special education, had various publications and was awarded Educator of the Year in 1975. Although Cheryl was a Duck, she loved joining John at the Beavers games and was often teased for wearing orange.

She is preceded in death by her soul mate and husband, John Riggs.

She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Smith; son-in-law, Todd Smith; grandchildren, Sawyer and Kaden; her daughter, Niki Reed; son-in-law, Dan Reed; and grandchildren, Lindsey, Lauren and Gavin. She was called Aunt Cheryl, Nana, Deanie and the Nibbler.

Due to the restrictions of the coronavirus, a private service will be held in Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to My House, 300 N Willow, Wasilla, AK 99645.