Iva was born in 1920 in Paris, Ore., the third of the six children of Archie and Ida Warthen. In 1938, she eloped with Harry Biggs, her loving husband of 62 years. He passed away in 2000.

Iva never wasted a moment. She was active with the grange, on the board of directors for the Ocosta School District, and served for a time as PTA president. She was involved with photography for many years; some of her photos were included in the Aberdeen Daily World. She moved to ceramics and achieved the qualifications necessary to be an instructor. She taught classes in her dining room for many years. Then she moved on to painting-both oil and water colors, and became a very accomplished artist. Many homes are graced with her beautiful work. She was also active with the Westport Senior Center for over 20 years.

Iva was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. When she fell ill on Mother’s Day of this year, the ER doctor described her as a National Treasure. For all of us who admired and loved her, we would agree he was right on track.

Iva’s eldest son, David (Jackie) Biggs, passed away in 2015. She is survived by her son Alan Biggs and daughter Lila Mitchell (Pete), nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of her life at Lila’s home in Ocosta on Saturday, Oct. 8, at 2 o’clock.