Martha Anne (Marty) Riggs Gochenour

Marty Gochenour-Feb 5,1925-Sept 20, 2021 (also known as Magi by her grand and great grandchildren)
Martha Anne(Marty) Riggs Gochenour , 96, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sept 20, 2021. Born in Albertville Alabama to the late Fred and Clara Riggs, she was also preceded in death by two brothers, Fred Jr and Jack Riggs and her beloved Aunt and Uncle who raised her from age nine, Wood and Lizzie Givens.
She is survived by her daughters, Linda and R.G Smithson  of Powell, TN, Anne and Tom Roseberry of Salem VA, her dear Sister in Law, Clare Riggs(98) of Carmel CA , and by 5 grandchildren:   Amy Dickenson, Todd Roseberry, Emily Smithson, Brandi Clifford and husband Kevin, and Lacey Woods. She is also survived by 8 great grandchildren: Lily Dickenson; Morgan and Leryn Roseberry ;  Dagney Drust; Grey, Anna, and Maggie Clifford; and Evan Woods. Magi will surely be missed!
Marty(Magi) moved to Salem in 1951 and divided her time between Salem and her beloved summer home in Craig Healing Springs, VA.  She was blessed to be able to spend her summers there through her 94th year of life!  Friendships and holiday celebrations at Craig Healing Springs made a lasting impact on Marty and her family. One very special friendship was with the late Paul Doresky, whom she was able to spend several consecutive winters with in Miami FA.
During her time in Salem, she was a long time member and Pre School Director at First United Methodist Church. After nurturing children there, she was Co-Owner/Director of Itsy Bitsy Day School in Salem. Marty(Magi)was also very active in several Bridge Clubs, the Friendship Garden Club, a volunteer at the Clothes Closet, and attended services and social groups at Salem Baptist Church.
The family would like to thank the staff of Salem Terrace at Harrogate for the amazing care and love she received from June 2019- Sept 2021. We also greatly appreciate the services for the past 10 days from Good Samaritan Hospice for helping her transition with great dignity to Heaven.
A Celebration of Marty’s life will be held at 11:00 on Oct 9, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 125 West Main Street, Salem, VA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Good Samaritan Hospice , 2408 Electric Rd, Roanoke,VA 24018 or St. Jude Children Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105.
To plant a tree in memory of Martha Anne Gochenour, please click here.