Jane Anderson Riggs

Jane Anderson Riggs, 75, passed away peacefully on August 31st, 2022 at Hospice of the Piedmont, surrounded by those who loved her.  She was born in Steubenville, OH on November 17th, 1946, to the late James and Ada Anderson.

Jane was one of 5 children.  She and her twin brother, James Anderson (Melanie), arrived first even though James beat her here by seven minutes and never let her forget it.  That began the competitive streak in Jane that was evident in every card game played with family and friends.  Jane’s other siblings include Charles Anderson (deceased), Raymond Anderson and Denise Simeraro (Paul).

Jane spent the last 56 years being completely devoted to her husband, Herb.  You seldom saw Jane without Herb and eventually, they created their own family.  They added two very important members; son Jarred Vivas of Managua, Nicaragua and daughter, Maria Dooley (Steven) of Jamestown.  Jane’s life was enriched further with the blessing of grandchildren, Elena, Carson, and soon to arrive, Scarlett Jane. Her grandchildren were her pride and a tremendous source of joy.

Jane graduated in 1964 from Union High School in Burgettstown, PA. Two years later, she married Herb, on July 29th, 1966, and that’s when the adventures began. Jane and Herb owned several successful businesses throughout their 56 years together.  They worked side by side building their life together, growing in faith, and sowing into missions. They used their time and resources to reach the lost and broken and unashamedly spread the love of Jesus.  Together, they completed dozens of mission trips where they would travel to remote villages, mainly in Nicaragua, to help people be set free and to receive the love and freedom that a relationship with Jesus offers.  Jane and Herb lived in Nicaragua for 3 years where they planted a church, The Father’s House.

While Jane did not have biological children, she was affectionately known to many as Mama Jane.  When asked how many children they had, Herb stated, “Oh, about a dozen”.  This was met with disbelief, and a little shock, but in reality, a dozen was a gross underestimate.  Throughout the years, Jane was a spiritual mom to hundreds, offering love and encouragement to those that needed it…the ones without a mom, or those that didn’t have a good relationship with their own mother, or anyone else needing a mother’s love.  Jane was generous in that regard, and will be remembered, and missed, for how she lived her faith, showed love, and demonstrated compassion, to those in her church and community.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, September 4th, 2022, at New Day Church at High Point, 8610 Bame Road, Colfax, NC.

Wright Funerals-Cremations is in charge of arrangements.