Thelma Teruko Riggs, 79 of East Springfield, Ohio passed away on December 6, 2008, peacefully surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. To the end, she was a beacon of inspiration and never waivered from a sound mind and an unrelenting spirit, with her only concern being the wellbeing of her family and friends. She was born on April 19, 1929 in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii to the late James and Alice Muranaka. Thelma grew up on the Island of Maui and stayed connected to many friends of her youth up until her death. She married Kenneth Riggs on July 15, 1950 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Also preceding her in death was her husband, Kenneth P. Riggs, Sr. in 1981 and one son James E. Riggs, Sr. in 1999. she dutifully held them in her heart to the very end and carried a profound love for these losses. Thelma retired from TRW in 1986 after 20 years of dedicated service. Survivors include her children: Donna Blancato of Seattle, WA; Terri (Richard) McConnaughy of Bergholz, OH; Sherri (John) Marcus of Amsterdam, OH; Loretta (Michael) Adkison of Farmington, N.M.; Kenneth (Pamela) Riggs, Jr. of Waverly, IA; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Also surviving her is one brother, Makoto (Mirella) Miyamoto and his daughter, Ramona (Michael) Anderson all of Owasso, OK. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to Bergholz United Methodist Church (Parsonage Fund) or Valley Hospice, 380 Summit Ave., Steubenville, OH 43952. Both of these entities were a vital support for Thelma throughout her life and in her final days and they both served her without reservation and with the highest level of love, respect, and dignity. The children of Thelma do not know the words that properly capture the appreciation to all of Thelma's friends that span four generations. We can proudly and unequivocally state that her friends were the blessing and riches that she dedicated her life to and how she measured her personal success in life. These friends have always given Thelma safe harbor during times of need, unconditional love, and steadfast guidance throughout her life. She left this world with great pride and honor that her legacy rested with the relationships that she built over more than 75 years, and with these relationships, she died fulfilled, and in her view, the richest person in the world. Thelma will be profoundly missed, but she will always be part of the heart, souls and actions of her children and friends. Thelma invites her friends to celebrate their shared life experiences and to pay respect on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 from 1 to 3:30 PM and from 5 to 9 PM at the Everhart-Bove Funeral Home, 285 Second St., Bergholz, Ohio. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 10 AM at the Bergholz United Methodist Church with Reverend Mark Thomas presiding over the celebration of life. Burial will follow in Bergholz Cemetery. View obituary and send condolences online at www.everhart-bovefuneralhomes.com.

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