Lisa Laverne Roth Rieger was born to Lovice and Robert Roth on July 29, 1946, in Lake Charles, La. She passed away peacefully at her home in Wimberley, Texas, on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
A graduate of LaGrange High School in Lake Charles, Lisa pursued an education in nursing and spent most of her career in the healthcare field. With a genuine devotion for providing quality compassionate care, she put forward her time, expertise and heartfelt dedication to patients, families and colleagues, forging remarkable relationships.
Not only was she a gifted nurse, she was also a passionate curator of practical organization. In her retirement, she tapped into that passion and established an organizing business, “Functional Yet Fabulous.” With a heart for fellow seniors, Lisa helped her clients downsize and relocate. While she packed their belongings, she created space for her clients to “unpack” and share stories about their treasures. A compassionate listener and lover of people’s stories, Lisa helped her clients honor their past and let go of their “stuff.”
This thriving business and personal passion were disrupted in 2017 when she was diagnosed with end-stage metastatic breast cancer that had migrated to her bones. Her remarkable ability to lean into faith with beautiful intention, this amazing woman was somehow able to expand her overall quality of life. Lisa’s joyful outlook defied the odds of a short-term prognosis. With the sheer will to get stronger, she opened her heart to receive healing love. Her last 7 years were profoundly meaningful, inspirational, and miraculous. Many have been in awe of her extraordinary spirit and positive attitude. She walked through pain with grit and grace, leaving many of us who knew her in wonderment.
Lisa’s life was grounded in a faith deep, wide, mystically divine and guided by her belief in the Lord. A jubilant spirit carried her through adverse life events with solace, meaning, strength, and dignity, which profoundly moved those around her. As Lisa traversed this final cancer journey, her beloved daughter, Amanda Rieger Green walked resolutely alongside her, motivating and expanding her outlook. Lisa supported Amanda in all pursuits, encouraging her to use her unique gifts for the betterment of others and the world at large.
Lisa will be remembered as a loving mother, sister, wife, loyal friend, wise counsel, lifelong Christian, compassionate healthcare provider, lover of old gospel hymns, music of all sorts, and creator of beautifully organized welcoming homes. She leaves a legacy of lifelong friendships and meaningful bonds spanning years and varying communities. Her deep family bonds and sincere love of living her best life were profoundly beautiful to witness.
Lisa is survived by her daughter, Amanda Rieger Green; and son-in-law, Dennis Green of Wimberley, Texas; two brothers, Alan Roth and wife Janet, and Lee Roth, both of Lake Charles, La.; four stepchildren and their families, Robert L. Rieger Jr., Sally Rieger Alvis, Ann Rieger Wolford, and Mimi Rieger. She also leaves behind her loving nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren, and her preciously vigilant K-9 companion, Obie.
Lisa is preceded in death by her beloved husband R. Lewis Rieger Sr.; her parents; and sister, Shirley Roth Owens.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, 2 p.m. at the chapel of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Wimberley, Texas.
At a later date, she will be interred alongside her husband in a private service at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, La.
The family sends a heartfelt thanks to Texas Oncology for their years of caring and kind medical expertise and to the interdisciplinary team at Hospice Austin for their exceptional support, loving attention, and compassionate end-of-life care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to Hospice Austin at 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78758, or online at www.hospiceaustin.org and Swan Songs at PO Box 41475, Austin, Texas 78704 or online at www.swansongs.org.