Susan R. Rigdon

January 30, 1942 - June 30, 2017

Susan R. Rigdon “Wah Kam Lat” (75) of Toppenish passed away in McMinnville, OR on June 30, 2017. Sue was born in Toppenish on January 30, 1942 to Willard I. and Rachel (French) Olney. She was raised and educated in Wapato graduating in 1960. On September 11, 1965, she married Melvin Rigdon. Sue earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from CWU and worked 25 years for the Wapato School District. Sue had many accomplishments driven by her passion for education, cultural and the Yakama Nation Community. She was the founder and director of the Wapato Indian Club and co-founded the Wapato Middle School Cultural Unity fair. Sue was a member of the Yakama Nation, served on the Yakima Valley Library board for many years and also on the local Red Cross board. Her family was the center of her life and she never missed her children’s events. In 1988, she was voted Yakima Valley fan of the year. Sue enjoyed beadwork, sewing, traveling and going to casino’s. Sue is survived by her husband of over 51 years, Mel Rigdon of Toppenish; one daughter, Polly Rigdon-Olsen of Seattle; three sons, Doug Rigdon of Hood River, Philip Rigdon and Steve Rigdon both of Wapato; five grandchildren, Nate, Tucker, Tyee, Aidan and River; a brother, Philip Olney; one sister, Helen Olney both of Toppenish; and all the children she deeply cared for over the years as her own. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Joseph Olney; and two nephews, Christopher Olney and Timothy Brown. Dressing services were held on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Colonial Funeral Home at 4PM with a wake following at the family home. Overnight services were on Sunday, July 2, 2017 at the Toppenish Creek Longhouse in White Swan. Catholic Mass was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Monday at 9AM with burial following at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Friends can send condolences at www.toppenishfunerals.com. Heggie’s Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.