Jessie Erickson Rigby

MINK CREEK, IDAHO- After 97 A½ years of life on this earth, Jessie McGregor Erickson Rigby passed away on Aug. 8, 2011, with her family at her side. This lady made the most of all those years. She was born on a cold winter day, Jan. 30, 1914, the first daughter of Daniel Wells and Lenora Bennett McGregor at their home in Thatcher, Idaho. An older brother, Loren, was there as a welcoming committee. As the years passed, these siblings were joined by Alan, Sarah and Lenore.

Jessie attended school in Thatcher. She learned domestic skills from her mother to the extent that her father proclaimed her homemade bread to be compared to angel food cake. During her high school years, she met Floyd Eric Erickson at a dance. This friendship blossomed and after graduation she and Floyd were married on May 24, 1933, in the Logan Temple.

Floyd and Jessie began their married life on a farm in Mink Creek, Floyd's home. Their family grew to four children: Bobby Lamoine, Layne Eric, Imogene and Gary Ben. Jessie and Floyd kept their love of dancing and served often as dance directors in the LDS Ward. Lifelong members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the couple served as temple officiators in the Logan Temple.

At one point in their lives, Jessie and the children took over the management of the farm while Floyd was called on a mission during the Korean War. This was not easy, but they found blessings because of their efforts. Floyd had a stroke and died in 1972. After several years of widowhood, Jessie met and married an old friend, Truman Rigby of Dingle, Idaho. They enjoyed some years of retirement together with travels and companionship before Truman passed away.

Jessie leaves behind a legacy for her family. She always remembered every birthday, no matter how large her progeny became. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Bob (Claudia) Erickson of Mink Creek; Layne (Karen) Erickson of Mink Creek; Imogene (Alan) Stine of Farmington, Utah; Gary (Sharen) Erickson of Chubbuck, Idaho; twenty grandchildren, fifty-four great-grandchildren, one and a half great-great grandchildren, and by her sister, Sarah Westerberg of Cedar City, Utah. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, by two brothers and one sister. Jessie's family would like to express thanks to the dedicated staff of the Franklin County Transitional Center for the care they have given her over the past few years. They became like family to her.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, Aug. 15, 2011, at noon in the Mink Creek Ward Chapel with Bishop Kent Egley conducting. Friends may call Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 South 800 East, Preston, Idaho and Monday from 10:30- 11:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Mink Creek Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com