Mrs. Ruth Merritt Rigsby Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Ruth Merritt Rigsby, 96, of Augusta, Georgia, formerly of Albany, Georgia, died January 26, 2018 at Kentwood Nursing Facility in Augusta. Ruth was born June 30, 1921. She was a native of Jakin, Georgia and often told stories about growing up with her brother and three sisters in this close-knit community where the focus was on church, family and school. As a young girl she excelled in acrobatics, recitation, and writing. She knew from an early age that she wanted to be a teacher. She graduated from high school at age 15, and that fall she entered Sough Georgia College in Douglas where she earned a two year degree which allowed her to teach. While teaching in Hilton, Georgia, she met her future husband, James Harold Rigsby. They were married in 1942. When Ruth’s two children were in elementary school she went back to school and received a BS in Education from Valdosta State. During her 25 year career, she taught in Hilton; Donaldsonville; Iron City; Boling, Texas; Valdosta, and Albany. She cherished her students and the many teachers she worked with over the years. Ruth is survived by a son, James Harold Rigsby, Jr. (Jimmy) and his wife Kent of Augusta; one granddaughter, Merritt Rigsby Fields and husband, Jeff; four grandsons: Rob Rigdon; Mac Rigdon and wife Jesse; Wilkes Fraser and wife Melissa; Trey Rigsby and wife Michele; and 12 great grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, James Harold Rigsby; her parents, Byron O. Merritt and Mattie Lou Stamper Merritt; brother and sisters; and daughter, Sara Ann Rigdon Fraser. Ruth often said that her greatest success was her family – seeing her children mature, get a college education, marry and produce fine grandchildren. Her grandchildren adored her and when they are together love to share their stories of growing up with “Mammy.” Ruth was also blessed with a life rich in friendships. There will be a graveside service at 2 P.M. on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at Crown Hill Cemetery in Albany with the Rev. Matt Lampley officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to First Baptist Church of Albany, 145 Oakland Pkwy, Leesburg, GA 31763.

Mrs. Ruth Merritt Rigsby

June 30, 1921 - January 26, 2018