Mary Kay Scaggs

Mary Kay Scaggs, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025 in El Paso, Texas. Known as "Kay" throughout her life, she was born August 22, 1952 in Altus, OK to Mary Virgina Ruth and Delby Ray Scaggs. Kay, the oldest of three sisters, was a natural caretaker and leader and was extremely protective of her mother, sisters, children, and family. She was a devoted disciple of a Christ, and committed to her Father in Heaven and Savior, Jesus Christ. She took her duties as a disciple of Christ seriously, and strove to be an example of Him, and instill those values in her family, particularly her children and grandchildren. Kay excelled academically and accumulated many honors throughout her education. She was Fox High School's Valedictorian for the class of 1970, and yearbook editor her senior year. Following high school, she received a degree in Laboratory Science and spent the majority of her 30 + year career specializing in Hematology. She instilled a love for learning and the value of education in her children who are all avid readers and lifelong learners. Kay was fascinated by classical music, a seeker of truth, committed to family history, a dreamer, and curious about life. Kay's love for the natural world extended to gemstones, horticulture, and birds especially cardinals and hummingbirds. Her children remember her love for genealogy, and she contributed greatly to tracing her family tree back several generations. She was fascinated with the history of Western Europe, particularly Ireland and the United Kingdom, and instilled that love in her children, many of whom have traveled there inspired by her fascination. She also left a legacy of music and several grandchildren are classical musicians, and her daughter, Amy, continues to perform on the flute. Kay was beloved by many, and her passing has left broken hearts, but we are comforted by her faith and the hope we will one day be reunited. She was preceded in death by her son, Benjamin Nikowa Keel; mother, Mary Virginia Ruth Higginbotham, father Delby Ray Scaggs, and nephew Jeremy Scott Alexander. She is survived by her sisters Dorothy Edna Handcock (Wade Handcock) and Virginia Christine Handcock; her daughters, Amy Keel Brown (Andrew Brown); Julie Keel; Kelly Cabreros (Ellison Cabreros); and Laura Brown. She is also survived by grandchildren including: Adria Brown (Madeline Greenhalgh ); Colin Brown (Elizabeth Brown); Hayden Coker-Kneifl; Eva "Sipokni" Brown (Noqusi GoingSnake); Bryndon Cabreros (Abigail Cabreros); Silas Keel; Zach Keel; Rhys Cabreros; Lydia Keel; Liam Brown; Cael Cabreros; Micah Keel; and Declan Cabreros. Kay is survived by two great-grandchildren, Savannah Brown(Colin and Elizabeth) and Duke Cabreros(Bryndon and Abigail). Kay is descended from Ocie and Edna Ruth. She has a number of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews surviving. Additionally, the family would like to recognize Keith Brown and Brandy Miller for the love care and devotion throughout the years. Pallbearers will be Bryndon Cabreros, Rhys Cabreros, Cael Cabreros, Declan Cabreros, Silas Keel, Zachary Keel, and Micah Keel. Honorary pallbearers are Colin Brown, Liam Brown, and Hayden Coker-Kneifl. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 6, 2025 at DeArman-Clark Funeral Home Chapel. Interment to follow at Condon Grove Cemetery in Milburn. Family hour will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025 from 3:00-5:00pm.