Anona Despain Riggs

Anona Despain Riggs, cherished daughter of Keate and Ora Despain, and a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, peacefully returned to her Savior on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. Her life was marked by deep faith and an even deeper love for her family, her friends, and her Savior. She expressed that love as a loyal sister, devoted wife, steadfast mother, and a proud and adoring Grammy.

Anona is survived by her siblings Loy, Darryl, Dale, and Terri. Her sister Evelyn passed away before her, and their reunion is surely a joyful one. Alongside her siblings, Anona grew up in a Christ-centered home, where her love for the Savior took root and blossomed into a lifetime of devoted service. Prior to serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Anona attended the University of Arizona to pursue a degree in education. Halfway through she was called to serve in the Billings, Montana mission for 18 months at the age of 21. She did finish her degree in her fifties after raising her children. Education was critical to who she was. She taught seminary, Sunday school, and relief society for as long as her family can remember.

Anona was married to Benjamin Lyle Riggs for 48 years before his passing in 2014. They built a life together grounded in faith, perseverance, and devotion. She is the devoted mother of seven children. She is survived by her children: Lyle (Veean), Brenden (Lisa), Rafe (Tracy), Benjamin (Joni), Robyn (Duane), and Laci (Brian). Her son Shane passed away at the tender age of thirteen in 1983 and remains forever treasured in her heart. Together Ben and Anona served two more missions. Anona served another two missions following her eternal companions passing. One of which was her calling as a temple worker in the Gilbert Temple, where she formed lasting friendships and served with a full heart.

She was a dedicated Grammy to eighteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, with another expected later this year. Her grandchildren remember her fondly for her homemade meals, competitive Quiddler games, love of Rocky Road ice-cream, and tender hugs.

Anona’s life was a testament to faith, love, and service. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 9:30 am, with a Family Prayer at 10:30 am. This will be followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 am at the Gilbert Arizona Gateway Stake Center, located at 2233 S. Wade Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85296. Following the services, a luncheon will be held at 12:30 pm. A private burial will take place at the Heber-Overgaard Cemetery.

The services will be streamed at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/96622636461?pwd=3uwUg8QAgWakoQ49WzlnkD3HhYAogk.1