Bevelye Ann (Ballinger) Riggs

Bevelye Ann Ballinger-Riggs, 72 of Sallisaw was born August 12, 1950 in Sallisaw and joined her Lord and Savior on March 20th, 2023. She was greeted by her parents, Carl Lee and Dolores Ann Ballinger, and the ancestors she loved to research. Survivors include her husband, E.C. Riggs of the home; daughter, Tina and Doug King of Springdale, AR; daughter, Amy and Eddy Lockhart of Sallisaw, OK; son, Eric Riggs of Sallisaw, OK and grandchildren, Sarah and Andy Brooks, Andrew King, Josie and Ethan Lockhart, Elijah, Noah, and Josiah Riggs; sister, Carlene Buckley of Bixby, OK; brother Kevin Ballinger and Shannon of Vian, OK; and other relatives and friends. Bevelye was a schoolteacher for 34 years, serving schools across Oklahoma and Arkansas. She changed and saved countless lives through her teaching and the genuine kindness she showed to every human she met. She was the best Mom and Mimi in all of world history. She was an expert genealogist who loved spending hours at courthouses and cemeteries across the country. Spanning time all the way from sneaking out her window as a little girl to read novels, Bevelye adored literature. She loved stories and words and constantly stated that “words are important.” Above all, Bevelye loved Jesus with her entire heart and soul. She was the spiritual leader in her family and will continue to be with them until they join her. She will be missed forever, but she will also be celebrated. Her legacy will live on infinitely. “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”- 2 Corinthians 5:8. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. on Friday at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home and the funeral service is 9 a.m. on Saturday at the First Assembly of God in Sallisaw.