Francis Elizabeth "Bess" Riggs was born March 23, 1927, in Stoddard County, Missouri to the late James and Leatha (Martin) O'Dell, and passed away on February 1, 2025, in Dexter, Missouri at the age of 97.

On September 6, 1968, Eldon Riggs and Elizabeth O'Dell were united in marriage in Scott City, Missouri and were married until his passing on July 12, 1999.

 Elizabeth lived In Southeast Missouri for the majority of her life, and was of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed gardening, Making quilts, loved her grandchildren, and loved spending time with her family.

Surviving family include Kathy Simmons, of Advance, Missouri, 8 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren, 2 brothers, James and Charles, 1 sister, Delisie Hessbein, and many nieces and nephews.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Raymon, her second husband, EK, two sons: Raymon Jr. and Ronald, her daughter, Linda, one granddaughter, Beth Ann Smith, and three sisters: Norma June, Freida Warren, and Katherine Robinson.

 The visitation will be on Thursday, February 6, 2025, beginning at 11 A.M. at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri.

 The funeral will be on Thursday, February 6, 2025, beginning at 12 P.M. at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri. 

 Interment will immediately follow at the Triplett Cemetery near Dexter, Missouri, with Pastor Mike Redman officiating.

 Watkins and Sons is handling all arrangements.