Deborah "Debbie" Marie Rigg (Barber)

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister passed away in her home in Merrill on Friday, July 7^th, 2023, at the age of 72. Debbie was born in Saginaw on December 6^th, 1950, to the late Kenneth & Elaine (Whelton) Barber. She attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and then Merrill High School, graduating with the class of 1969. It was while attending school that she met her high school sweetheart and future husband, Mike Rigg. She threw a snowball in his direction and that was all the introduction the pair would need. The pair would marry June 12^th, 1971, and spend more than 52 years together. He survives her. Debbie worked at various places throughout the region, especially loving to express her artistic side at a handful of craft shops nearby, and made sure to keep her girls in line as their cheerleading coach, but the most important thing to her was raising her family with Mike. She was a provider at heart, making meals for Mike’s work crews that would rival a Thanksgiving feast, and her famous spaghetti and meatballs always made sure her friends, family, and community were fed and comforted. Debbie enjoyed camping, quilting, sewing, and genealogy, and kept a beautiful garden full of flowers, especially roses. She was a devout catholic and lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Merrill, and was a proud member of Community Friends, giving her time and effort in order to serve her community.

Debbie is survived by her husband of 52 years, Michael Rigg; daughters Amy (Jason Fortier) Dittenber and Lori Burleigh; grandchildren Kylie Dittenber, Keira Dittenber, Addison Burleigh, Maci Burleigh, Ethan Burleigh, Elliott Fortier, Henry Fortier, and Aimee Fortier; and siblings Richard (Sandy) Barber, Kay Barber, and Brenda (Doug) Francetic; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.  

Debbie was preceded in death by nephews Jeff Barber, Matt Rigg, and Tim Doyle.

A funeral liturgy for Debbie will take place at 11:00am on Monday, July 10^th, 2023, at St. John XXIII Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 419 S. Midland Rd., Merrill, with Father Michael F. Steltenkamp S.J. presiding. Visitation will take place on Sunday, July 9^th from 2:00pm to 7:00pm at W.L. Case & Company, 125 E Saginaw St, Merrill, and at the church from 10:00am until the time of service on Monday, July 10th. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Those wanting to make a show of their sympathy may wish to consider a memorial contribution to the Jonesfield/Lakefield Township Fire Department. Please share your thoughts, prayers, and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.