Mary “Mickey” E. Riggle

Mary (Mickey) Ellen Riggle, age 93, died on February 20, 2026 at home with hands held by her loving husband and daughters and in the hearts and prayers of relatives and friends across the country. Her life on earth ended as she lived, with trust in the mercy and grace of God and gratitude for caring and compassionate people.

Mary was born in Ashland, Ohio on February 18, 1933, the daughter of Martha Picking Meyers and Roy C. Meyers. For nearly 75 years she was the dearly loved wife, partner, and best friend of the Rev. Dudley Riggle. Mary was the beloved and admired mother of Debbie Merritt Dillman (Riggle) and Laura Riggle and dear mother-in-law of Jeff Dillman. Cherished grandmother “Mimi” of Jessica Pollex, Jacob Merritt, and the late Benjamin Merritt. “Heart” Mimi to Mark, Mike, Katlyn, Jamie, and Matt. Adored great grandmother “Gigi” of Jaidyn, Jillian, Hadley, Harper, Hayden, Carter, and Addie. Loved and missed by her sister Laurie Huston, sister-in-law Nancy, nieces Kim, Mindy, Sharon, Becky, Kim M., and nephews Jeff and Denny. Fondly remembered by many friends, neighbors and fellow parishioners.

Mickey graduated from Savannah High School and studied at Wittenberg University. After her sophomore year in the midst of a teacher shortage, she accepted a request from the Savannah School Board to be the lone teacher of 49 first graders. She was thrilled that each student could read by the end of that year. She later joined the staff at Kenosha, Wisconsin’s private New Nursery and Kindergarten before returning to college at age 50 to complete her degree in Education at Carthage College. The rest of her teaching career was spent investing her heart, soul, and mind in the kindergarteners at St. Mary’s Catholic School. She was a lifelong advocate for children personally, locally and around the world. In addition, she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and volunteered for a variety of organizations.

A mother figure for her Carthage College daughter, Rose, and many Carthage students and friends, she welcomed them into her home for dinners, music, holidays, and to celebrate special life events. Her genuine hospitality and warmth welcomed all. Admired and respected, she was a vital member of the Carthage family and communities where she lived.

Mickey was a person of strong faith and strong convictions about faith, life and politics. She was a generous supporter of organizations and causes that worked for the well being of the earth, women and children, refugees, immigrants, and bringing about justice and peace. She was “ahead of her time” in the 70’s shopping organic, selling health supplements, opposing plastics, working for peace, and actively seeking equal rights for women.

Mickey was a lover of learning, with books ranging from children’s to personal development, spirituality, health, culture, autobiographical, home, garden, art and music. An accomplished pianist, guitarist, and vocalist, she used her talents in teaching, concerts, and sing-a-longs with family and friends. For 35 years she directed the Chapel Choir at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kenosha where she was an active church member. Singing in community and congregational choirs as well as The Washington Island Music Festival Choir brought her great joy.

Being seasonal residents of Washington Island for 45 years brought joy to Mickey and her family. She loved their home, nature’s beauty, worshipping at Trinity Lutheran Church, the island community, and its talented and interesting people. Her love will live on through the generations as they continue to make time on the island an irreplaceable part of their life.

A beautiful person outwardly and inwardly, she will be remembered for her warmth, her smile, her laughter, and her graciousness. Mickey’s wisdom, courage, intelligence, ferocity, perceptiveness, integrity and insights will continue to guide those with whom she shared so much life. Her generosity was great and her love was boundless. She was an empathic and faithful friend, mentor and model for many who found her to be a source of affirmation, support, comfort and encouragement. She felt blessed to have so many wonderful friendships.

Mickey was preceded in death by her parents, Martha and Roy Meyers, brothers Richard and Elmer Meyers, sister Janet Bilger, brothers-in-law Larry Huston and Ron Bilger, sisters-in-law Audrey and Bonnie, and grandson Benjamin Merritt.

Mickey was very grateful to be cared for during her end of life journey by her family and competent and compassionate care providers.

Visitation will be on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin and Friday, March 6, 2026 from 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 12012 West North Avenue, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin followed by a Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving from 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, Mickey would love to have donations made in her name to a cause of your choice that reflects a shared value.

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