Lorraine Emily Rigsby

Lorraine Emily Rigsby, daughter of the late Gary Andrew Lemon and Irma M. (Koehler) Lemon, was born November 23, 1921 in St. Louis, Missouri and passed away Monday, July 11, 2022 in her home having attained the age of 100 years. As a young girl, Lorraine grew up in the St. Louis area and graduated from Cleveland High School. During her high school years, she was a member of several organizations which included: Cleveland High School Sharpshooters, Girl Fencers, Drum and Bugle Corps, Bicycle Club, and Photography Club. On December 23, 1941, Lorraine was united in marriage to Elmer Crismon Rigsby and they shared many wonderful years together before he preceded her in death. They were blessed with six children: Christine, Lorel, Bud, Kathy, Merrie, and Gordon. Lorraine took great pride in helping to provide for her family. She began working as a school cook when her youngest child started school. In two years, she moved to a secretarial position with the Waynesville R-VI School District and after 26 years of service, she retired in 1987. Over the years, Lorraine became active in many organizations. She was an office for the local and state School Secretary Associations, a Boy and Girl Scout leader, USO, Order of the Easten Star, United Methodist Women, Pulaski County Historical Society (which she co-authored the first volumes of the “The History of Pulaski County”, Genealogy Society, Pulaski County Garden Club and two others, Friends of the Library, Route 66 Organization, Pulaski Country Armed Services YMCA (Civilian Volunteer Leader of the Year), and was nominated three times for the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award. One thing Lorraine loved to do the most was to travel, either to visit her children or with friends. Her first trip off the mainland was to Hawaii and then came Great Britain, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand. Lorraine leaves to cherish her memory, six children: Chris Rowell (Willie) of Waynesville, MO, Lorel Gaffner (Gary) of Wildwood, MO, Bud Rigsby of Waynesville, MO, Kathy Brinson of Atlanta, GA, Merrie Christensen of Carson City, NV, and Gordon Rigsby (Cherie) of Crocker, MO; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-nine great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Lorraine was preceded in death by two sons-in-law: Jay Brinson and Jack Christensen; and one grandson: Andrew Brinson. She will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved her. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Lorraine Rigsby to charity of the donor’s choice and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert.

Lorraine Emily Rigsby

November 23, 1921 - July 11, 2022