Verna Riggins died on Monday, Feb. 14, 2011. She was 88 years old. Courtesy photo.

Verna Marie Riggins, a longtime resident of Clearlake, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter, in Redding, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 14, 2011.

She was born on July 8, 1922.

During her many years in Clearlake she was active in several local service and business clubs, including the Soroptimist Club. She also was on the planning committee for the original Redbud Hospital and the gymnasium at Burns Valley Elementary School.

She was a very active supporter of the local SPCA and rescuing cats was her passion. Her help could always be relied on for fundraising events for the groups to which she belonged.

Verna had several occupations during her long life. When she first moved to Lake County in the 1950, she worked at the Lower Lake Branch of Bank of America.

She later worked by the side of her husband, Auttis, in several businesses. Their joint ventures included Riggins Variety Store, Wildwood Nursery, The Mountain Shop in Forest Lake and the store and dress shop at Hoberg’s Resort.

Her last occupation and her favorite was head legal secretary for Richard Freeborn, attorney at law and later a Lake County Superior Court judge.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Auttis Riggins, and her sister, Virginia Griffith.

She is survived by a sister, Dorothy Lillard of Santa Rosa; son, Ed Riggins and wife Mary of San Francisco; daughter, Cindy Benting of Redding; daughter, Pamela Karnatz and husband Virgil of Crossville, Tennessee; seven grandchildren, Lauren, Eddie, Candace, Brandon, Shawna, Heidi and Heather; two great-grandchildren, Aaron and Bethany; and two nieces, Karey and Coleen.

No services were held at Verna’s request. Donations in her name can be made to your local animal shelter, SPCA or animal refuge of your choice.