Adriana Raquel Riggs Mendieta
May 9, 1996 - May 23, 2022
Service Date:
Saturday, May 28, 2022 5:00 PM
Service Location:Saturday, May 28, 2022 5:00 PM
Starks Funeral Parlor
3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT
Adriana "Nana" Raquel Riggs Mendieta, was born on May 9th 1996, she was the third of 7 siblings and my first daughter. My mom tells me she was exactly what I deserved - we were so much alike we often butted heads but I would never change a thing. From a young age she was social and inquisitive and so incredibly funny. Anytime she met someone new she would ask what's your name? .....Oh! What's your dad's name? .... Why? If you knew Nana well, you know that she could put up a tough protective front but once she let you in she was sensitive and kind hearted. She loved people and took an interest in those she was drawn to and was always willing to help and be there for everyone she loved.
She started her lifelong connection at Miss Billies Kids Kampus strapped to my chest at 6 weeks old doing summer camp like a champ, as she grew she made many forever friends there. She started as a Jr. helper during the summers and after school and ultimately became a caring, loving and dedicated teacher. In the 9 years she taught at Miss Billies she touched the lives of so many children. She loved her babies and enjoyed watching them grow. Nana was loved by so many of her co-workers that have been her friends and extended family all of her life.
Nana's high school years were her crowning glory.... she hated the school part but the social aspect was where she shined! She has so many close friends that she met in Jr. High and High school. Nana had a way of making everyone feel like they were her best friend. She always had a smile or a wave even for those she didn't know.
Nana met (and instantly fell in love with) Dace when she was 14 - It took him awhile to brave getting past me..... but ultimately they started dating when she was 16 (at least that's the story they have stuck to all these years) Dace has been a loving, patient and supportive partner for the last 10 years. Together they have 2 beautiful, spunky amazing daughters. Rhea is 4 and Remi is just 3 months old. I think Nana was surprised at how much she loved being a mother. She loved her babies fiercely. It was a joy to see her in the role of mommy, She had fun with her girls and experiencing life as a family.
She leaves behind a heartbroken family, her partner Dace and daughters; Rhea and Remi, her parents; Cory Lunt (Tim) & Rafael Mendieta, siblings; James,Josh, Auztin, Dre, Addi and Pepper, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins (Mendieta Riggs and Lunt) 1 niece, 3 nephews, countless friends and loved ones.She is welcomed in heaven by her Grandpa Forrest, her Tio Pelu and other family members she may not know but love her all the same.
Nana dedicated her life to her family and had a beautiful smile, contagious laugh and a gracious heart
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday May 28, 2022 at Starks Funeral Parlor from 5:00 - 7:00. We choose not to mourn her death - but celebrate her life. Please wear light colors. Guests are encouraged to use the parking on the north side of the building.
As I am sure you can imagine we are devastated. We have been enveloped by love and prayers and are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. We thank you from the bottoms of our hearts. Love the Mendieta, Riggs, Lunt, Abbott families
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to her daughters at the following go fund me link, https://gofund.me/2413193d,or by clicking the tab marked "Donate" on the left of the screen.