Ella Zappa Rigdon

A memorial service celebrating the life of Ella Zappa Rigdon, of Shreveport, Louisiana, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in the chapel of First Presbyterian Church of Shreveport. An inurnment will be held in the Memorial Garden of First Presbyterian Church of Shreveport prior to the service.

Ella passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026. She would have celebrated her 89th birthday on June 1. She was born in Minden, Louisiana, to Woodrow Wilson Zappa and Clara Belle Zappa.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Felix Ray Rigdon of Shreveport, Louisiana.

Ella spent more than 30 years at Sunset Acres Elementary in Shreveport, where she was a beloved sixth-grade teacher and later a coordinator. She earned her undergraduate degree from Louisiana Tech University, her master’s degree from Louisiana State University, and completed an additional 30 hours of graduate study. Ella was active in her community, serving as president of her garden club and as a member of the First Presbyterian Church Hall Class.

After retiring from Sunset Acres Elementary, Ella and Ray enjoyed traveling across the country with a bus tour group. She also loved painting, sewing, gardening, and spending time with her cherished dogs Cindy, Ginger, Beau, and Luke.

She is survived by her daughters, Katherine Anne Rigdon and Lisa Rae Rigdon, and by Sandy Perkins, devoted family friend and caregiver.

Ella will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, dedication to education, and love for her family, friends, students, and community.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the ASPCA, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or a charity of the donor’s choice in Ella’s honor.