Posted on 11/26/2018
Mary Anne Stewart Riger passed away peacefully in Lancaster, PA, on November 19, 2018, surrounded by family at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Cass and Bob Jendzurski. Affectionately known to family and friends as Anne, she was born in Denver, CO, on May 30, 1928, and was the daughter of the late Hugh A. and Anora Akolt Stewart. Anne was the loving wife of the late Lt. Cmdr. Robert J. Riger, USN, a graduate of the US Naval Academy's class of 1949. Anne's greatest joy and purpose in life was being a mother to her five children, Cass, Charlie, Betsy, John, and Hugh. Anne was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 18 greatgrandchildren. Anne graduated St. Mary's Academy in Denver in 1946, and attended Loretto Heights College and University of Denver, where she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta. An accomplished dog breeder, Anne established Folly Barn Farms Kennel in Gatesburg, PA, where she raised a national champion Saint Bernard. Anne was an expert seamstress and, as the owner and operator of Hollow Bottom Bears, produced beautiful handmade decorative vacuum cleaner covers that she sold across the country. Anne was a collector of teddy bears, Santa Clauses, and miniature dollhouses, and was an avid reader. Anne loved her country and was an outstanding citizen exemplifying the finest virtues of American life. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Richard's Catholic Church in Manheim, PA. Anne will be buried alongside her husband Robert at Gatesburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Anne's name may be made to Songs for Journey, 2437 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601 or to Gamma Phi Beta at www.gammaphibeta.org. To send an online condolence, please visit: SnyderFuneralHome.com
Published in Denver Post on Nov. 23, 2018