Martha Riggle, 84, of Crystal Lake passed away Friday, January 20, 2006, at the
Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.
Martha Riggle, the daughter of Emmanuel and Anna (Elgland) Monesen, was born on
September 28, 1921 in Winnebago, County, Iowa. She attended country schools
until moving to Forest City to baby-sit for families.
On January 9, 1941, Martha married Ernest Riggle at Grant Church in rural
Winnebago County. The couple farmed in the Crystal Lake and Hayfield areas
before moving to the home place located near Crystal Lake. Martha and Ernest
have been farming there for over 50 years.
Martha was a great baker, making numerous wedding cakes. She loved her flowers
especially pink petunias. Martha thoroughly enjoyed working in the fields and
even hauled corn into town on numerous occasions.
Martha enjoyed gardening, crocheting and bowling. She loved to travel and just
getting in the car and going for a drive. She was a member of both TOPS and the
Linden Ladies Club.
Martha is survived by her husband of 65 years, Ernest with numerous nieces,
nephews and other family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters: Elsie Wilson, Gladys
Meyer and Ann Jordan; and her brother, Martin Monsen.