Eloise L. Rigg (1927-2013)

Eloise Lucille Rigg, 86, Bryan, passed away June 11, 2013 at Hillside Country Living. She was born June 2, 1927 to Virgil and Thora (Mower) Connolly.

Upon graduation from Montpelier High School in 1945, Eloise was employed by Dwyer Insurance Agency, owned and operated by her aunt, Bessie Dwyer. She continued to be involved in the insurance industry at various times throughout her life with her most recent employment at Andres-Dwyer-O’Neil in Bryan. During this time, Eloise became involved in 5-H where she met her future husband, Ralph Rigg, at a Flashlight Dance. She loved to tell the story with a sparkle in her eye! Eloise beamed the light on this handsome military man choosing him as her dance partner time and again.

Eloise married H Ralph Rigg, West Unity on November 16, 1947. In 1952, Eloise and Ralph settled at their farm on C.R. 13 between G and H and lived there 57 years, raising their 3 children. During those years, Eloise was very involved in their registered Holstein dairy operation. She not only worked on the farm side by side with her husband Ralph but also handled the book keeping for the business.

Eloise was a very active member of the community serving as 4-H adviser for the Buttons and Bows 4-H Club for many years. She was also an active member of the Ohio Holstein Women’s Association.
Eloise was a dedicated Christian and a lifelong member of the Pulaski United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school, served as a trustee, chaired the annual homemade ice cream social and numerous dinners and fellowship gatherings.

Eloise had a love for entertaining including all the planning and preparation that was involved. She truly loved her friends and always cherished the memories they created. Eloise and Ralph opened their home frequently to close friends, and also to those they met in their travels. Many church gatherings and community functions were hosted by a very gracious Eloise Rigg.

Although Eloise spent many hours volunteering, her focus always remained on her family as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Whether the event was a baseball, basketball or soccer game or a 4-H fashion review, Eloise was always there!

In her retirement years, Eloise enjoyed many activities with husband Ralph – playing golf, shuffle boarding, playing cards, meeting new friends and spending time with lifelong friends at their winter home in Avon Park, FL.

Eloise is survived by her daughters Barbara Cordell (Joseph) of Marietta, GA, and Betty Petrick (Stephen) of Noblesville, IN. She was preceded in death by her husband H. Ralph Rigg, son Richard Alan Rigg and brother Walter Connolly.

Eloise is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Adam Graft (Jane), Matthew Graft (Liz), Ashley Petrick, Paige Petrick, Kelly Petrick and 5 great grandchildren Lee, Reece, Emmie, James and Christian Graft.

Arrangements are with Thompson-Geesey Funeral Home, Montpelier. Online condolences may be sent to www.thethompsonfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Rigg Family Scholarship, c/o The Bryan Area Foundation, 102 North Main Street, Bryan, Ohio 43506. This scholarship is in memory of Eloise and Ralph’s son, Richard, and is awarded yearly to a Bryan High School graduate attending The Ohio State University.

The Rigg family would like to thank Hillside Country Living for the wonderful care they gave Eloise, Ralph and Richard. We are forever grateful to all of the staff for their compassionate and loving care.