On October 21, 1957, a beautiful baby girl was born to Clementine King and Sherman Riggs in Gibson Station, Oklahoma. They named her Shirley Loretta Riggs, the 2nd oldest of eight.

Shirley, lovingly known as "Retta" was a hard-working "Mother" of many with an open door policy, room and board included! Retta was a very nurturing soul, taking all she could in as her own.

As a child, she started and completed her education in Okay Public Schools, Home of the Mustangs. She went on to attend Northeastern State University.

Retta was very active in her Church District. Gibson Station COGIC was her church home. She served as Church Secretary, hospitality lady, and was later promoted to Church Mother.

Retta loved to attend the activities of all those that were part of her "FLOCK". The support she provided was 100% wholeheartedly a part of her joy. She also loved cooking. Those of you who have enjoyed this aspect of Retta's life knew she had that special touch and special seasoning, beckoning your return for MORE. Now for those of you who "really" knew her, her favorite pastime was garage sales. Oh, the many homes that have been furnished by her! The many homes that have and will forever have a part of Retta's presence and spirit.

On February 21, 2023, Retta began her journey to her heavenly home. Standing at the gates to greet her were her mother and father, grandparents, an aunt, a sister, a brother, a niece, and a nephew.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Jerome Brown of Tahlequah, Jamaal (Niki) Riggs of Wagoner, Jarrod (Angelina) Riggs of Vian, Caleb and Darius Riggs both of the home; Scherry Riggs, Kenneth (Lavon) King, Todd and Dr. Kwanna King all of Gibson Station, Sheila McCormick, and Marchell Abernathy of Wagoner; Tracy King of Muskogee and Rita Stevenson, a cousin raised as a sister of Wagoner; Uncle Johnny Lee Jones of Wagoner and Esther M. Tibbs of Frisco, TX.

Stepmother Roberta Riggs; Sherman Riggs, Alfred (Teri) Riggs, Shanell Riggs (Armondo) all of Tahlequah. Darryl (Kristi) Riggs of Miami, OK, JaRita Johnson of Kansas City, MO, LaVonda Hartgraves of Ft. Smith AR, Betty McCoy of Muskogee, OK, and Jean Carr of OKC, OK.

Twenty grandchildren and one great grand-daughter. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, one special friend Mary Toles Brice, and Troy Rice a very special person near and dear to her heart.

Loretta's Homegoing Service will be at 11 AM Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the First United Methodist Church in Wagoner, Oklahoma, with interment following in the Evergreen Cemetery in Gibson Station.

Viewing will be Friday, March 3 from 9 AM until 7 PM. Family and friends will gather for the Visitation from 5-7 PM on Friday.