Cleta Riggins

Cleta J. Riggins, 95, of Kewanee, passed away Friday, February 13, 2026. She was born July 30, 1930, in Kewanee, to the late Frank and Leota (Adams) Stewart, of Princeville.

Cleta married Robert “Jean” Riggins on September 1, 1950 in Princeville.

Cleta is survived by her daughter, Candace “Candi” (Dean) Corn, of Kewanee; two granddaughters, Somar (Russell) Bryson, Morrison, IL, and Sierra (Geoffrey) Hansen, Erie, CO; eight great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. One granddaughter, Seana Silvaggio and great-grandson, Army Specialist Tony Silvaggio V greet her in heaven. She is also preceded in death by her husband; son, Randy; sister, Leora Filler; and brother, Dana Stewart.

She was a graduate of Illinois State University with a BS and MS in Elementary Education. She taught for 28 years in Duncan, Castleton, and Wyoming. Cleta retired in 1988 but remained a substitute for many more years after.

Cleta was proud of her heritage and belonged to many organizations. She also bred and raised Arabian horses and Belgian Malinois dogs and was a 4-H header for 30 years.

Cleta will be remembered for all her community involvements.

Memorials may be made to Stark County Elementary School in Wyoming IL.

Per her request, cremation rites have been accorded and private services will be held at a later date.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cleta Riggins, please visit our floral store.