MaryLou Riggle, 85, of Urbana, Ohio, passed away on 5 November 2023. She was a retired missionary who served for 38 years in Belize, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.
MaryLou was born on 26 April 1938 to the late Glen and Christena (Souther) Riggle.

MaryLou's calling led her to spend almost 40 years as a missionary in Central and South America. Her unwavering commitment to spreading the word of God ignited hope and transformed countless lives along the way. 

During her tenure, she was a professor and academic dean at the Nazarene Seminary of the Americas in San Jose, Costa Rica. For a time, she also served as district superintendent. Her leadership was instrumental in shaping the minds and hearts of future ministers who would make a profound impact themselves. Her guidance and infectious enthusiasm encouraged others to embrace their faith entirely.

Despite her many achievements, MaryLou remained humble and devoted herself to simple pleasures that brought her joy. A lover of books, she could often be found immersed in a captivating story or engrossed in a thought-provoking devotional. As a Friends of the Library program member, Mary Lou shared her passion for literature by diligently cataloging and alphabetizing each book she read—a testament to her meticulous nature.

MaryLou drew strength from quiet moments spent in introspection with God, and these reflective periods allowed her to deepen her faith further and seek solace during challenging times. Her unwavering commitment to living out her beliefs was exemplified through various roles within the Urbana Church of the Nazarene. 

As an ordained elder and longtime member, MaryLou taught Sunday school courses, led the Grief Share program, assisted in the church office, and served as the Nazarene Missions International president. Her dedication and servant's heart inspired many.

MaryLou pursued knowledge with unyielding determination, and her education was extensive. She earned a Doctor of Theology degree—a testament to her intellectual curiosity and desire to grow in wisdom and understanding continually.

MaryLou's passing leaves a void in the lives of those who loved her the most. She is survived by her brother, Walter Riggle; sister, Alice Thompson; seven nieces and nephews; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; one great-great niece; and several cousins.

A visitation to honor MaryLou's life will occur on 18 November 2023 at the Urbana Church of the Nazarene in Urbana, Ohio. Friends and loved ones are invited to pay their respects between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life service will commence at 1 p.m. in the same location. Afterward, MaryLou will be laid to rest at Oak Dale Cemetery.