Noe Stephen Riga, known to his family and friends as Steve, passed away Sunday, June 2, 2024 at the Arkansas Continued Care in Jonesboro, AR at the age of 78. Steve was born May 19, 1946 in Jonesboro to Frank and Katherine (Green) Riga. He proudly served in the United States Army for 24 years, where he was awarded the Purple Heart. Steve worked in the IT department at ASU until retiring. He was of the Catholic belief. Steve loved working with his hands, tinkering, going to Kroger and the Farmer’s Market, and meeting people wherever he went.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents; and 8 siblings, Sister Petra, Joan McConnel, Ivo Riga, Jane Ferguson, Rita Riga, Roy Riga, Leo Riga and Martha Uebehlor.
Those left behind to cherish the wonderful memories of Steve include his wife of 28 years, Anita (Perry) Riga; a son, Brian (Tera) Riga; a step daughter, LaRae (Roy) Puckett; six grandchildren, Brianna (Jake) Martin, Tanner (Abby) Puckett, Colson (Lizzie) Puckett, Bethany Riga, Conner (Taylor) Puckett, Elijah Riga and Lincoln Puckett; one great-grandchild, Luca Martin; and a brother, Guy Riga; along with many family members and friends.
Graveside services will be private.
Visitation will be held 5-7 pm Wednesday evening at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home, 1900 West Washington Avenue in Jonesboro.
Tanner Puckett, Jake Martin, Conner Puckett, Elijah Riga, Lincoln Puckett and Roy Puckett will proudly serve as pallbearers. Colson Puckett will serve as an honorary pallbearer.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests lasting memorials be made in Steve’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.