Verna Riggs

Verna Riggs, 85, of Robinson, IL, died on June 29, 2026, at Richland Carle Memorial Hospital in Olney, IL.

Verna was born on May 4, 1941, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Alexander Janasky and Anne (Klimas) Janasky. Chicago was home for her early years, and from there, life would take her across the country. Through the years, Verna made homes in Massachusetts, Texas, California, and Illinois, carrying with her the same dependable, hard-working spirit wherever she went. Each place became part of her story, and in both Texas and California, she worked for pharmacies before eventually making her way to Robinson in the early 2000s.

Once in Robinson, Verna quickly became a familiar face to many. She worked as a checker at IGA, later became a clerk at Bertram's Pharmacy, and also served at the local food pantry. She was sociable, independent, and steady, the kind of person who showed up, did what needed to be done, and treated people with warmth along the way.

Verna was active throughout much of her life. In her younger years, she enjoyed water skiing, racquetball, walking, and jogging. She loved to dance and carried a lively spirit with her wherever she went. On Sundays in those earlier years, she would gather the neighborhood kids together with her own children for baseball games, creating the kind of memories that stay with a family long after the years have passed.

Family was always at the center of Verna's life. She loved spending time with those she cared about, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she enjoyed celebrating holidays whenever the family could be together. Her family will also remember the little things that made her Verna, like the way she always wanted her beer poured in a glass whenever she visited Christine’s or Christopher’s house. 

She also loved her coffee cake and lattes, enjoyed reading autobiographies, watching football and baseball, and shopping. She also collected angels, a fitting reflection of the faith she held quietly and sincerely. On Sundays, she could often be found watching services, keeping that part of her life close.

Verna is survived by her children, Tammy Thompson, Wendy & Jim Taylor and Robert "Bobby" & Tina Capobianco Blacketer; by her grandchildren, Christine & Cody Cornwell, Christopher Thompson & Natalie Ramsey, Samantha Jerrell, Alex Taylor and Robert Blacketer; by her great-grandchildren, Presley Cornwell and Parker Cornwell; by her sister, Myrna Williams; by her niece, Heather Schitz and her nephew, David Williams.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alexander Janasky and Anne (Klimas) Janasky; and by her husband, Tom Riggs.

A private graveside service will be held at the Oak Grove Cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is assisting the family with the arrangements.