It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Judy Irene Miller Riggs. She passed away Friday, August 21, 2026 at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff , NE with her husband and daughters by her side.
Judy was born on July 29, 1944 at Aunt Vesta‘s house in Grand Island, NE to Harold and Gladys Miller.
She grew up in Grand Island with her five siblings until her ninth grade year when her family moved to Crawford, NE. Soon after, she met Roy Riggs when her friend Sandy convinced her to go on a double date with Roy and his older brother, Sam.
That was the beginning of a legacy. Roy and Judy dated one year and were married on June 18, 1961. They were blessed with their son Richard and daughter’s Joyce and Jennifer while they lived and worked at several ranches in the sandhills and at Marsland, NE.
Judy was a homemaker extraordinaire with a knack for stretching every penny as far as it could go. She was a baker, chef, seamstress, and gardener. In 1977, Roy and Judy moved to Alliance, NE where they settled nto the community and Judy was lovingly known as “Ma” to almost everyone.
Judy was always there for her children and grandchildren showing up to support them in all their endeavors. She was stern in her moral code but was always willing to give everyone grace, and the benefit of the doubt.
“Ma” was a salt of the earth human unlike anyone you have ever met.
There was a beautiful reunion in heaven with her son Richard Riggs, her grandson, Eric, her parents, siblings, Francis Miller, Pete Miller, John Miller, Bonnie Aguilar, Beverly Schaper and several other beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She leaves behind her husband of 65 years, her daughters, Joyce (Jerry) McCracken and Jennifer (Travis) Hartshorn, a pile of grandchildren, Amber Eberle, Steven Hoffman, Desiree Hoffman, Amanda Spencer, Anna Spencer, Kyle Riggs, Robbie, Jory, and Kassi Bergen, Jallyce Baughman, Trent ODonnell, Trevor, Levi, and Kimila Hartshorn. She also leaves behind 35 great grandchildren.
There will be a hole in many hearts, but we are happy that she is no longer in pain and in Jesus’ is loving arms.
A memorial graveside service will be Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Alliance Cemetery with Pastor Russell Saito officiating. Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.