Beyond the Story: What Drives the Life Story of Nancy Riggle

As we take a brief pause from sharing Nancy’s life story, we wanted to ask a question that helps explain so much of who she is:

Why has community service always been so important to you?

“Honestly, it started with how I was raised. I grew up in a family where community service wasn’t something extra—it was just part of life.”

Nancy shares that her parents believed deeply in giving back and in opening their home and hearts to others. Growing up, her family welcomed people from different cultures and backgrounds into their home, including a Muslim college student who became like family and a Japanese exchange student. Service, faith, and helping others were simply part of everyday life.

“When my mom decided we were too old to go trick-or-treating, we didn’t just stay home—we went out and collected for UNICEF instead. That was just how we were raised.”

That foundation carried into Nancy’s teenage years.

“In high school, I became a teacher’s aide working with children with disabilities. I was only 16, but I was given my own reading group and taught children using phonics. That experience stayed with me my entire life. It helped me later with my own children, foster children, and even in the work I do today. I’ve always believed that every experience can teach you something if you’re open to it.”

Her passion for service continued to grow throughout adulthood. Nancy served as a parent aide through Walla Walla University’s Parent Resource Center, became the first woman president of the Prescott Lions Club, and has coordinated the Ducky Derby Family Fun Festival for 28 years through the Exchange Club. Nancy was a foster mom for 14 years, and has mentored 3 children through the Friends of Children of Walla Walla/ She has mentored foster parents, and now serves on the board of the Fort Walla Walla Museum and Common Roots Housing Trust. Nancy was a past Board member of Friends of Children of Walla Walla on two separate occasions, for 9 years each time. Nancy also facilitated Sibshop, a sibling support group for brothers and sisters of children with disabilities, for over 25 years.

For Nancy, each role served a bigger purpose.

“I believe every executive director in a nonprofit should know the other nonprofits in their community, because it inevitably helps the people we serve.”

That philosophy has shaped her work at Valley Residential Services for nearly 48 years. Through those community connections, Nancy has helped link individuals and families to food assistance, housing resources, arts programs, recreation opportunities, mentorship, and other critical services.

“Community service has never been about titles or recognition. It’s about relationships. It’s about making sure people feel connected, supported, and included.”

“For me, community service has never just been volunteering. It’s about building relationships, creating opportunities, and helping make sure our community has the resources and experiences people need to thrive.”

When you look beyond Nancy’s story, you quickly see that service isn’t just something she believes in—it’s the thread that has connected every chapter of her life.