Frances Jane Riggs Black, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted community member, passed away peacefully, leaving a legacy of love, dedication, and cherished memories. Born on August 22, 1928, in her family home at 507 S. Madison St., Malden, Missouri, Frances was the treasured daughter of Florence and Ross Riggs.

Frances was an avid golfer who found joy and camaraderie at the Malden Country Club for over fifty years. Her favorite golfing partners included her husband, Allen Black, and her grandson, Kyle Black, who began playing with his grandmother at two years old. Kyle's love for the game, inspired by these early memories, remains strong. Frances' home shelves are filled with photographs capturing these treasured moments and tournament trophies, which were always a delightful topic of conversation. Her lady golfing friends brought her laughter and joy, and together, they shared the thrill of friendly competition on the greens.

Beyond the golf course, Frances was known for her warmth and hospitality. She loved to cook, and family and friends eagerly awaited her chocolate cakes, pecan pies, and cookies. Grandchildren delighted in the fresh-baked cookies that frequently emerged from her oven, filling her home with sweetness and love. Frances loved to garden and inherited the love from her mother, Florence. Her love for family pets always brought smiles and laughter, as they loved to see her, too.

Frances was a dedicated professional. She worked alongside her husband, Allen, in the newspaper publishing business for over 40 years. Earlier in life, she and her mother, Florence Riggs, served as telephone operators for Bell Telephone in Malden, connecting their community through their dedication and hard work.

Her commitment to service extended to numerous local organizations. Frances was a member of the Malden DeReign Club, the Malden Methodist Women, the RSVP Volunteer Program, and the Malden Chamber Maids. She was also a lifelong and devoted member of the United Methodist Church of Malden, where her faith and fellowship were constants throughout her life.

Frances' true joy was her family. She was a loving and caring grandmother and great-grandmother whose gentle spirit and unwavering love touched every generation. Her life was of quiet strength, kindness, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys she shared with those she loved.

Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless friends and community members blessed to know her.

On June 25, 2025, a family graveside service will be held to celebrate her life. Afterward, a coffee and cake gathering will be held with family and friends at the Malden Methodist Church. In the afternoon, a nine-hole round of golf at the Malden Country Club is planned to honor her life's contributions to Malden and the many lives she touched. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the Malden Historical Museum, a cause she and Allen cherished deeply.

Frances Jane Riggs Black will be remembered by many for her grace, her joy for life, and the love she shared so freely. Her memory will forever be a guiding light for her family and community.

Preceded in death are her parents, Ross and Florence Riggs,  her husband, Allen Black, and one son, Paul James Black. Frances is survived by her son David Black, her daughter Vickie Scharfenberger, ten grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.