Janice Lynn Riggs, 1944-2024, lived her life as a wonderful, loving and courageous woman. Born in Duluth, Minn., growing up she loved playing on the shores of Lake Superior with her sisters, Marcia and Carol, and cousin, Charlie. Jan also lived in Paris, Kentucky, New Mexico and Colorado. A modern pioneer woman, Jan inspired so many with her faith, life and accomplishments. Before coming west, she nannied in Paris, utilizing her BS in speech and French, then married Herman Lee Riggs II, became a restaurateur of the successful Finish Line restaurants, and a mother of two sons in Louisville, Ky. Subsequently, she followed her dream to move west to Raton, N.M., welcoming a daughter. Shortly after, she happily settled in Pagosa Springs, Colo., where she rejoiced in the births of her two youngest children, raised all of her five children, and explored so much of the beautiful southwest while falling in love with the western history, culture and landscapes. After her divorce, she moved to Colorado Springs, where she earned a master’s degree in counseling while working full-time and raising her children. Jan loved her work as a psychotherapist in both private practice and with Centura Health; she advocated and championed mental health care. In her retirement she enjoyed her grandchildren, advancing her painting skills, always appreciating the wind and birds in the aspen and pine trees, along with the expansive skies of Southwest Colorado.
Now with her parents, sisters and eldest son, Trae Riggs, Jan is survived by her children: Brian Riggs, Sally Riggs and Kent Goring (son-in-law), Sarah Manore, and Michael Riggs; grandchildren Gavin Taylor, Taylor Capistrant, Shayden Riggs, Grayson Capistrant, Madelynn Manore, Amelia Manore, Genevieve Manore and Taven Riggs; and great-grandchild Payton Taylor. She is also survived by her cousin, Charlie Bahn; her nephews, Daniel Podemski and Craig Podemski; and her beloved extended family in Louisville, Ky.
Inspiring so many with her faith, her art, her fortitude and her steadfast love for her children and grandchildren, Jan’s legacy will continue in the hearts of so many. Her family wouldn’t adore her more if she had been the first to walk on the moon or if she had invented a cure for war.
