Carol Ann Riggs, age 74, was born on May 19th, 1952, in "Bridgeport" Chicago, Illinois, and passed away peacefully Friday, July 3rd, 2026, in Channahon, Illinois.

Carol is survived by her children, Shelley, Scott (Dez), Amy, and Megan (Joe). She was a proud grandmother to Chloe (Cody), Sydney (Cody), Autumn, Noah, Ella, and Aria. She was also a loving great-grandmother, known as "Maka" to Aubrey, Kaylee, and Arlene, cherished siblings, Lorraine and Sonny, and her loyal partner Sam, among numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were touched by her kindness and devotion.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Riggs, her parents, Joseph and Helen Wnek, her brother, James Wnek, her sister, Janet Schindel, and her granddaughter, Gracie Riggs along with countless others.

Though their absence was surely felt, Carol carried the bonds of family with reverence and love. She understood that those we lose do not vanish from the story of our lives. They remain in our memory, in our values, and in the way we continue to love because they first loved us.

Anyone that has spent time with Carol carries a piece of her spirit forward, and each of them has a reason to smile when they remember her voice, her laughter, and her love. Whether they were traveling, playing bingo or gambling, shopping, or simply spending time together, those moments brought her happiness and comfort. They were the kinds of simple joys that reveal a life well lived, a life grounded in companionship, routine, and the pleasures of being with someone familiar and dear. She appreciated those moments because she understood what mattered. She knew that life was made rich not by possessions, but by presence. Not by status, but by love. Not by perfection, but by connection.

Carol lived a life that radiated love, faith, and strength. From the very beginning she carried within her a spirit that would go on to touch countless lives. She was a woman whose presence could steady a room, brighten a difficult day, and remind everyone around her that the most powerful force in life is a heart that gives freely. Carol did not simply move through the world. She lifted others, encouraged them, and made her family and friends feel seen, valued, and deeply loved.

Carol will be remembered most for the love she poured into her family. She found her happiness in caring for those she loved. That was her gift and her greatness. She understood that a meaningful life is built not only in major milestones, but also in the quiet acts of kindness, the shared laughter at the table, the comforting words at the right moment, and the steady devotion that never asks for applause. She found joy in helping others, and she did so with a spirit that was warm, generous, and sincere.

She was loving in every sense of the word, faith-filled in the way she faced life, and funny in the way she could bring light into any situation. Carol had a way of making people feel at ease. She could ease worry with a smile, strengthen hearts with her words, and remind others that joy can be found even in ordinary days. Her humor and warmth were part of her courage, and her faith gave her the grace to meet life with hope and perseverance. She was the kind of woman who did not wait for a perfect moment to bless others. She made the moment better simply by being in it.

Carol's life is a powerful reminder that greatness is not always loud. Sometimes it is found in consistency, in compassion, in faith, and in the willingness to show up for others day after day. She lived with purpose, loved without hesitation, and gave of herself with a full and open heart. Her legacy is not only in the family she helped nurture, but in the countless moments of comfort, joy, and strength she gave to those around her.

Today, we honor Carol Ann Riggs not only for the years she lived, but for the way she lived them. We celebrate a woman who loved deeply, believed faithfully, and laughed often. We remember her as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, wife, and friend whose life made a lasting difference. Her journey was one of devotion and grace, and her memory will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation and Services for Carol Ann Riggs will be held at the Farkas Funeral Home, 3201 West Jefferson Street, Joliet on Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 3:00 PM - 7 PM. The service will begin at 6:30 PM.