On the evening of October 7, 2023, Julianne "Julie" Marie Riggs, 56, of Wellston MI, passed away surrounded by family. That evening the clouds lifted and a double rainbow ushered her to heaven.

Julie was born on March 15, 1967 to Judith Barrows in Southfield, MI. After Julie graduated from High School in 1985, she went on to study at Walters State Community College in Tennessee for bookkeeping.  Julie married Alan Riggs, June 29th, 1991 in Carleton, MI. They went on to raise their blended family of 7 children, Jessica, Amy, Kristen, Ryan, Joyce, Alyssa and Brooke.  While in Tennessee they joined a church where they were both, along with their children, born again.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

Julie truly had a zest for life and a passion to try or learn new things. Julie was a "jack of all trades" having many accomplishments and titles over the years. Never afraid to take on new challenges or new paths.

"A mother is the truest friend we could have, when trials were heavy and suddenly fell upon us; when adversity took the place of prosperity; when friends deserted us; when trouble thickened around us, still she would cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts."

Washington Irving

Julie was a dedicated wife and mother who was always there when her family needed her to stand strong beside them through all of life's trials and tribulations. Julie was world-renowned for her lack of patience, not holding back her opinion and a knack for telling it like it is. She always told you the truth even if it wasn't what you wanted to hear. It was the school of hard knocks and yes, she recalled many times how she had to walk for miles uphill in a blizzard to get to school, so suck it up.

With that said she was genuine to a fault, a pussy cat at heart (or lion) and yet she sugar-coated nothing. Her extensive vocabulary was more than highly proficient at knowing more curse words than most people learned in a lifetime. She liked four letter words as much as she loved having family and friends over. Her door was always open and there was always a plate at the table for guests. No one went hungry at our house and everyone was welcome. These words of encouragement, wisdom, kindness, compassion and sometimes comfort, kept us in line, taught their children the "school of hard knocks" and gave them something to pass down to their children. Along with her love of music (all genres), art, nature, Thomas Kinkade puzzles, board games (especially monopoly), card games, and even video games.

She was not just a wife and a mother, but a mentor and best friend. In the face of this immense loss, we will strive to carry forward her legacy. Though she is no longer physically with us, her spirit and love will forever remain eternally present, guiding us through our journeys. All who loved her dearly will never forget her tenacity, wit, charm, grace (when pertinent), undying love and care for them.

"There is now an empty seat at the table, where you used to sit.

It gapes like a wound.

What is there to say about an absence, a hole?

A place defined by what is not there?

An awkward pause, a conversational lull.

Where someone should have filled in the silence?

There are jokes that are not told anymore,

But we all think of the one who should tell them.

In moments when we all would have laughed before

There are tears, and hands trying to quell them.

Silences seem to sit heavier now and leaving has become hard to do,
as we sit around the table, looking for words,

To fill in the chair that was supposed to hold you"

Unknown Author

Julie will be sorely missed and survived by her mother Judith (Barrows) Springer, Brothers Dennis / Stacy Mick, Jeff Springer, and Derek Springer, the love of her life, Alan Riggs, her children: Jessica (Mick) Hernandez, Amy Bissell, Kristen Bissell, Ryan Riggs, Joyce Riggs, Alyssa Riggs, and Brooke Riggs, her grandchildren: Samantha Perry, Cynthia Riggs and Evelyn Riggs, and by her many nephews, nieces and honorary children.

Julie is preceded in death by her adoptive father and mother John & Mary  Mick, mother-in-law Reita Riggs, brother Andy Mick, niece Janelle Mick.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to help the family in this time of great sadness to help cover costs  as they navigate life without her.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.