Marriner Cooley Rigby

Marriner Cooley Rigby had a beautiful life of 96 years. Due to his adventurous spirit, strength of character, compassionate heart, and charming sense of humor, he leaves behind a legacy of family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Marriner craved the out-of-doors and loved growing up in rural Newton, Utah. He was born to Frances Cooley and Samuel Marriner Rigby on May 31,1928, the youngest of five children. He was blessed with a strong body and a sharp mind. It was the morning of Oct. 5, 1929, that the nation woke to Wall Street’s closure followed by the Banks closing with people’s hard-earned money. Marriner was 14 months old on “Black Monday.” The Great Depression was hard on a generation who learned to go without food, shoes, and many necessities of life. Marriner learned to save and prepare at an early age. He knew the value of saving money.

Soon after graduating from North Cache High School in 1946, Marriner was called to serve an LDS Mission in the Western States Mission headquartered in Denver, Colorado. He loved the people he taught and kept in touch with his mission companions throughout his life. Coming home to Newton, Marriner was flipping through his high school yearbook and landed upon the photo of a beautiful girl named Lois Erickson from Smithfield. He summoned his courage and asked her out on a blind date. The rest is history. They were engaged two weeks later, as he was heading to basic training. When he returned, Marriner married Lois, the love of his life, on Friday, June 13, 1952, in the LDS Logan Temple. They headed to San Diego, CA, directly, where Marriner was called to active duty in the U.S. Navy. Some may have been deterred by a Friday, the 13th marriage date, but their love never faltered for 69 years. Lois died in February of 2021.

When they returned from San Diego, three daughters were born to Marriner and Lois during the time he was graduating from Utah State University. It was a busy time! Deanne was born in 1954, Laurie in 1955, and Carolyn was born in 1958, all in Logan, Utah. Marriner earned a master’s degree in education and spent most of his career as an elementary principal in Richland, Washington, where they raised their family. Marriner was respected by his faculties of teachers, and he remained in touch with many throughout his life. He was a people person who uplifted others and created a pleasant work environment. Marriner was a curious learner. He studied, read fervently, and asked others for their perspectives. He inspired his daughters, grandchildren, and great grands to do the same. He taught them to seek knowledge always, and the powerof an education. He also taught them to fish!

Fishing for salmon was an adventure and favorite pastime for many decades. Bringing the family together outdoors in beautiful places such as Campbell River, British Columbia and Soldotna, Alaska, were favorites of Marriner and Lois. Marriner treasured the friendships he and Lois made.

Retirement in 1991brought Marriner and Lois to St. George, Utah, where they quickly became part of the “six-pack,” who were new friends who explored this amazing area together. Travel was important at this time in Marriner’s and Lois’s lives; they visited Australia, New Zealand, the British Isles, Spain, Central Europe, the Greek Islands, Istanbul and beyond.

Marriner loved the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints throughout his life. He served 3 missions: two with Lois in the Anchorage Alaska Mission, and the St. George Temple Visitor’s Center and Historical Sites Mission. Marriner loved people. He loved the relationships he and Lois formed with other senior missionaries. People from all walks of life were drawn to Marriner’s easy-going personality and his love and interest in human beings.

Marriner Rigby is survived by his three daughters: Deanne (Dee) and her husband Greg Murray of St. George, Laurie and her husband David White of Salt Lake City, and Carolyn and her husband Lorin Yeaton of Chelan, Washington. Marriner is preceded in death by his wife, Lois Erickson Rigby.

Marriner’s seven grandchildren: Whitney, Margo, Samuel, Kirt, Drew, Olivia and Meredith were greatly loved and Marriner was well invested in their lives. He cheered them on as well as his beautiful ten great-grandchildren. He had admiration, love, and support for all of his family.

A funeral celebrating the life of Marriner Cooley Rigby will be held on Thursday, October 17, at 1:00 p.m. in the LDS chapel located at 912 South 1740 East in St. George. A viewing will be held at 11:30-12:45 prior to the service.

Interment will follow at Tonaquint Cemetery in St. George,Utah.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude to Marriner’s caregivers: Nichole Lamb,Cristina Guzman, Serena Funk, Deanie Campbell, Zoe Black, and the staff at Abbington Assisted Living, as well as Alliance Hospice. We wish to thank the LDS East Ridge Ward in St. George. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the LDS Humanitarian Fund.

We are grateful for the many friends and angels in Marriner’s life.

Live stream may be viewed on the link below.