Ross Leland Riggs, 65, passed from this earth to his heavenly home on Sunday, May 28, 2023, after a battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was surrounded by his loving family as he entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Ross was born in Medina and grew up in Rittman, Ohio. While in Rittman, he served in the US Air Force Reserves for 12 years, served as Firefighter and Interim Fire Chief, and a Police Officer. He moved to Louisville in 1992 after becoming the Chief of Police. He served as Chief of Police in Louisville, Ohio from 1991-1998 until his retirement. After retirement, Ross and his wife Karin became Missionaries in Central and Eastern Europe through the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE). They served as missionaries providing missionary care for 12 years before retiring. Ross continued to serve as he attended The North Canton Chapel and previously served as a deacon.
Throughout his life, Ross was known for being a very selfless and giving person. He truly wanted to make a difference and leave a legacy of faith and service for others. Ross was passionate for helping especially veterans, military, and first responders as he co-founded Legacy of Honor in 2020 with his son, Daniel. Throughout his life he lived to serve his savior. He made sure that his family and everyone he knew understood what it meant to have faith in Jesus.
Aside from faith, his family was the most important thing to him. Everything he did was for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loved to spend time camping, boating, fishing, hunting, riding his Harley, and vacationing with them. Most importantly, he loved making everyone laugh. Ross was the best at being able to find a joke in just about everything. To the last breath, he wanted to bring smiles and laughter to everyone around him.
Ross is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Glyndyne Riggs, his brother, Rodney Riggs, sister-in-law Ellen Riggs, and his two sisters, Debbie and Denise Riggs.
Ross is survived by his beautiful wife of 43 years, Karin whom he married on August 25, 1979. He is also survived by his daughters, Heidi (Nicholas) Booth, Suzanne (David) Snyder, Sarah Smith (Jordan Spitzer), Cyd (Andrew) Devore, and son, Daniel (Sarah) Riggs; 14 grandchildren, Aaron, Allyson, Scarlett, Annabelle, Nathan, Emelia, Audra, Lana, Fiona, Rhett, Leland, Wesley, Everly, and Paula. Brothers Robert (Elizabeth) Riggs and Rick (Susie) Riggs; sister-in-law, Inga King. He is also survived by many special aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, his international exchange students and families, and his many “adopted” kids and grandkids.
A celebration of life will be held at The North Canton Chapel, 715 Whittier Ave, North Canton, OH 44720 on June 24, 2023. Family will receive friends at 12pm with the service to follow at 1pm. To honor the mission and passion of Ross, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, please support Legacy of Honor at www.honorthelegacy.org or mail donations to 908 West Main St, Louisville, OH 44641. Condolences and special memories of Ross can be shared with his family online at www.paqueletfalk.com.
He has told you, oh man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8.
Paquelet Falk Funeral Home & Crematory
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Serving Ohio Families Since 1867
What can I say that hasn’t been said a thousand times? Ross will always be remembered as an amazing chief, a great friend and from what I’ve seen, a wonderful husband , father, grandfather. A few years after he retired from Louisville PD, we reconnected through his son Daniel, when he joined the department. Over the years Ross and his whole family became closer as they traveled to Arizona and met my family and shared happy times together. All I can say is we’ll all miss him and that we all hope in the Lord and have confidence that we can see him again sometime. May the perpetual light shine upon him, and may he rest in peace ! Amen.
One of my fondest memories of Ross was when I slipped up the alleyway by Rittman PD and slipped under Ross’s cruiser and tied a bunch of cans to the axle. We cruised around the block waiting for Ross to come out and when he finally did he put the car in drive then slammed on the brakes thinking he tore up the car. We stopped in front of the station as he was staring at the cans. I think he he wanted to choke me till he busted out laughing. He not only could joke around he took them just as well. I could tell you a lot more but they are very extensive. Ross we will miss you but your memory will always be with us,love you bro
I served with Ross in the Air Force Reserves. Good memories.
I lived across the street from Ross and I would always go over there to hang out with my friends (Scarlett and Emmy) and he would always over my a snack and he was such a amazing person!🩷
Much love to this family and Dr Riggs ❤️ Ross was a great man and his legacy will continue 💙
Hugs and love from Tommi. I know that our Heavenly Father is holding you in His arms. May His love, care and comfort continue to sustain you.
Dan, Sarah and Family, we are so sorry to hear about your Dad. He must have been a great man to have produced the wonderful family he has. Our prayers and condolences,
Mike and Vivian Tisevich (neighbors)