Marissa Rigdon

On September 15, 1994, our beautiful daughter, Marissa Rigdon, completed our family and took us on the ride of our lives. She tried to buck the system pretty much from that day forward in a beautifully crafted, dramatic fashion. If not gifted in the art of reverse psychology, Marissa could figure out a way to do exactly as she pleased, when she pleased. Which probably makes her smarter than all of us. Fiercely independent, she was also blessed with a heart of gold. She grew up with compassion and love for family, friends and critters, and would give anything to help another. She was tender and kind, always rooting for the underdog. Marissa had a wide variety of interests and talents, excelling easily, while changing her pursuits often. She was a competitive swimmer, played violin, sold crafts on Etsy, took guitar, and experimented with her education. She had an amazing artistic ability, and taught herself how to paint, draw and sculpt beautifully. She always had several art projects in the works. Marissa loved to travel. Her sense of humor was so dry, and so incredibly funny; most of the time it took a while to know you'd been had. Her laugh and beautiful smile could light a room. Marissa was taken from us far too soon, on September 16, 2016 at age 22. Because of her love for others, she has given the gift of life to many different individuals in several states through organ donation. So even in her tragedy, positive things are happening.

Marissa is survived by her father Randy (Ludaun) Rigdon; mother Melanie (Pat Westerkamp) Davis; sisters Jessica (Jake) Johnson, Rachael (Chris Wilkerson) Rigdon; brothers Bart Andersen, Beau (Amber) Andersen; nephews Easton Anderson, Andrew Johnson, Canyon Andersen; nieces Maizy and Sunni Andersen; her surrogate family Seth, Blanca and Vanessa Startup; longtime boyfriend Ryan Shams; her fur babies Honey and Rigby; turtles and lizard; and a large contingent of friends and relatives who loved her dearly.

Please join us for Marissa's celebration of life this Friday, September 23rd from 6-8 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S. 900 E., Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the valet parking provided on the north side of the building. 

Those who knew Marissa well, know what an animal lover she has always been. If you would like to help a cause dear to her heart, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab would be grateful for any contributions made in her honor. Lastly, Marissa was of course obsessed with all things Halloween. I'm sure she would be pleased to see Halloween in the hearts and homes of all who loved her this October. Our sweet Issa has left a huge hole in our hearts and will be missed so very much.