William “Bill” French Riggleman, 72, a resident of Monterville, passed from this life Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at home. Bill was born Tuesday, January 26, 1943 in Monterville, a son of the late Sherman Riggleman and Betty Calain Riggleman. On January 9, 1965 in Valley Head, he married the former Elizabeth “Jane” Ketterman who survives in Monterville. They recently celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Also left to cherish Bill’s memory are two children, Lisa Helmick and husband Randall of Monterville and John Riggleman and wife Sharon of Valley Head, four grandchildren, Joe and Josh Helmick of Monterville and Jonathan and Johanna Riggleman of Valley Head, one sister, Sharron Shiflett of Newport News, VA, special aunt and uncle, Denzil and Virginia Thompson of Belington, special niece, Mary Thompson of Beverly and special friends, Randy and Jared Taylor of Mill Creek. Preceding Bill in death besides his parents were two sisters, Georgia Lamoreaux and Faye Collier and parents in law, John and Madyline Ketterman. He attended the schools of Randolph County and was a graduate of Tygarts Valley High School’s class of 1962. Bill served three years in the US Army, spending one of those years serving in Vietnam. He had been employed as a tipple operator at SS Joe Burford Coal Company which later became Phoenix Resources for twenty years. He retired from the Huttonsville Correctional Center after twenty years as a corrections officer. Bill enjoyed farming and walking among his cows. He loved his wife very much and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, of whom he was very proud. He loved to watch basketball games, ‘armchair coaching’ his favorite teams. He worked as a meat cutter where he met many friends. Bill always had a joke and would have you laughing in no time. He was an avid gardner, especially with his tomatoes and green beans. Bill will be missed greatly by his family and all who knew him. Visitation will be held at the Randolph Funeral Home on Saturday, February 28, 2015 from Noon until 2PM, the funeral hour. Pastor Rick Cooper will officiate. Bill’s request for cremation will then be honored.
