Mar 29, 2022

Marena Lee Riggin

Posted Mar 29, 2022 5:03 PM

Marena Lee Riggin, 70, passed away March 28, 2022 at Abilene Memorial Hospital. She was born January 28, 1952 in Long Beach, CA to Chester and Rena Bean.

Marena graduated from Narbonne High School and studied Political Science at Pepperdine University, attending on a swimming scholarship. She enjoyed a career of professionally showing dogs and operating Greyhound racing kennels. Marena was an active member of Community Bible Church in Abilene, KS.

On December 9, 1944, she married Robert Lee Riggin and they have enjoyed 27 years of marriage.

Marena enjoyed sewing, time spent with her animals and traveling to mule shows with her husband, Bob. She was known for being a passionate member of the equestrian community as well as being an active participant in her church community. Marena was also a political activist for seat belt laws while she was in California.

Marena is survived by: her loving husband Bob of Abilene; sister Joan Watson of Long Beach, CA; step-children Rob (Marge) of Parsons, Rae Beck (Rex) of Buhler, Rusty (Anjanette) of Andover; grandchildren Carson Moore (Quentin), Bailey Cares (Brett), Allen Beck, Garret Beck, Daisy Beck, Sarah Riggin, Tanner Riggin and Tyler Riggin; and nephews Fleming Watson of Montana and Michael Watson of Long Beach, CA.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

At Marena’s request, her body will be donated to KU Medical School for the advancement of science.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m.on Saturday April 2, 2022 at  the Community Bible Church, 1400 N Cedar St, Abilene, KS 67410.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Community Bible Church in Abilene, KS. Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, Abilene, Kansas 67410.