Dr. Annette "Mary" Marie Wiggins

Dr. Annette "Mary" Marie Gomez Wiggins, 71, a loving wife, mother, grandma, and friend of Castleford, Idaho, returned to her Father in Heaven on December 18, 2023, after a yearlong battle with cancer. She passed away at home surrounded by her loved ones. Mary arrived in this world on January 2, 1952, in Raymondville, Texas, the daughter of Francisco Romo and Beatriz Tijerina Gomez. Although scheduled to be delivered in Idaho, Mary arrived in this world while her mother was visiting relatives in Texas.

Learning was at the heart of Dr. Wiggins’ life. She began her formal education in Buhl, graduating from Buhl High School in 1970. Mary then furthered her education at Brigham Young University, where she graduated with a major in Spanish Teaching and a minor in Sociology. Always full of energy and a zest for life, during her time at college, Mary was a member of the marching band (clarinet), was on the drill team (Cougarettes), worked part-time as a ski instructor (Sundance), and did a study abroad living a semester in Spain. After her children were grown, Mary furthered her education, gaining a Master’s Degree and a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership and Curriculum while still working full-time. Soon after earning her first degree, Mary married her dear friend and sweetheart, John "Bud" Leroy Wiggins, on December 22, 1973, in Buhl, Idaho. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on June 29, 1988. Together they established their home in Castleford. They were blessed with two children, Jon Scott, and Michelle Nicole.

Dr. Wiggins dedicated 33 years as an educator and administrator within the Buhl School District. Professionally, her passion was to encourage and enable students to achieve their individual life goals and to help expand their vision of what life could offer. Through her own life example, she proved that all our goals are achieved with a combination of desire, faith, supportive friends, and sheer will. As an educator and club advisor, Dr. Wiggins influenced over 3,000 students. Her teaching assignments included four levels of Spanish and courses in Psychology and Sociology. As an advisor, she led the drill team, cheerleaders, Spanish club, and Student Leadership. A gifted teacher, Dr. Wiggins was given an Outstanding Educator or Teacher of the Year award 11 times.

For life-balance and rejuvenation, Mary traveled the world. She visited every state in the US and 30 countries, touching every continent but Antarctica. To open the world to her students and parents in the community, she organized trips to Spain, Hawaii, Peru, and Mexico. In retirement, she and her husband Bud pulled their travel trailer across America, including several trips up the Alaska Highway (Alcan) to visit friends in Anchorage.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dr. Wiggins was quick to acknowledge the guidance and support of her Father in Heaven and her Savior. She often remarked that much of her achievement was simply a result of her following the promptings of the Spirit and showing her Heavenly Father gratitude for the gifts she was given. In her church service, she worked with youth often and then later as a leader in the church’s women’s service organization called Relief Society.

Dr. Wiggins is survived by her two children, Jon Scott (Catherine) Wiggins of Lehi, Utah; and Michelle Nicole (Sterling) Allen of Twin Falls, Idaho; six grandchildren, Melissa, Jonathan, Alexandra, Anastasia Wiggins, and Brooklyn and Jacob Allen; brother, John Gomez; and sister-in-law, Cathy (Bubby) Yarbrough.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, John "Bud" Wiggins; parents, Francisco and Beatriz Gomez; and her brother, Robert Castillion.

A viewing will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Friday, December 29, 2023, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Filer Stake Center, 840 W Midway St, Filer. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, December 30, 2023, with a viewing beginning at 10:00 am, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Filer Stake Center. Burial will conclude at the West End Cemetery, 1574 E Elm Street, Buhl.

A Facebook Live will be available for those who are unable to attend on the Farmer Funeral Chapel Facebook page.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Mary's memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.