Rita Lynn (Palmquist) Rigg passed away at the age of 68 in Wheat Ridge, CO on June 14, 2016. Rita was born on June 7, 1948 in McPherson, KS. Rita attended Longmont High School, class of ’66. She then went on to college at CU Boulder. Rita enjoyed working at Red Rocks Community College as a Program Assistant.

Rita had a strong interest in art; sculpting her own works from clay, working with pottery and dabbling with water color. She also enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends and family. But most important in her life was her practice in Nichiren Buddhism.  

Having been a member of SGI for over 30 years, Rita was actively involved in SGI community events within the Arts Division, Womens' Division and held District leadership roles for many, many years. She could often be found volunteering at the Culture Center and was always happy to share her life experiences and what it meant to her to chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo; which in translation means, "I dedicate my life to the wonderful law of cause and effect."

Having been a cancer survivor and warrior, Rita was a constant champion for education in the detection and treatment of the disease.

Rita is predeceased by her parents Marie “Terri” Gairns and George “Bud” Palmquist, and sister Georgetta Marie Palmquist.

Rita will be greatly missed by her daughter Kimberly Cunningham; grandchildren Kassie and Kaden Cunningham; brothers Greg, Dean and Rick Palmquist; step-siblings Shelley and Kelly McMillan; extended family; and many, many friends.

Her warm smile and ever-present light will forever be missed.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, 7/9/2016 at 2pm at the SGI-USA Culture Center located at 1450 N. Speer Blvd, Denver CO 80204. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Collier Hospice Center, 3210 Lutheran Parkway, Wheat Ridge CO 80033.

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