Mary Lois Scaggs, of Maryland Heights, passed away on August 6, 2025, at the age of 87.

Mary was born on April 3, 1938, in Ashland, Missouri, to Hilma and Elmo Phillips. She was the second of four children and grew up in Columbia, Missouri, alongside her sisters Lovella (Doodle) Mauer and Carol (Jeanne) Harris, and brother Michael Phillips. Mary was never truly alone growing up; her sister Lovella, just 17 months her senior, was a constant companion. Affectionately known as "Sis" by her friends and family, Mary faced a significant challenge early in life when an emergency appendectomy caused her to miss an entire school year. Already shy, returning to school was difficult, but she found joy and escape in playing baseball throughout her childhood. Although she wasn't thrilled when a baby brother arrived when she was nearly 12, Michael quickly became one of the joys of her teenage years and all three sisters kept a close and watchful eye on him growing up. She cherished the laughter and good times she shared with her siblings throughout her life.

At 17, Mary and her older sister moved to St. Louis where she met and married the love of her life, Layman (Lee) Scaggs. Together, Mary and Layman created a life and raised two daughters, Susan and Leslie. Her younger sister Jeanne joined them in St. Louis and the three sisters shared countless adventures over the years. They shared a bond that was both lively and enduring.

Mary began her career as a teller at St. John's Bank in Clayton, Missouri and over the years held a variety of positions, including switchboard operator and receptionist roles at Gundaker Real Estate and Anheuser-Busch's promotional products division.

A gifted gardener and exceptional baker, Mary was especially known for her incredible candy-making talents. (You knew you were liked if you were ever the recipient of her candy). Mary also enjoyed canning, quilting, and many crafts over the years. She surrounded herself with the "stuff" and the people she loved. That stuff also included her car, though it can be noted, she never cleaned it herself; that was Lee's job.

She and Lee bought their beloved home, in 1988 where they spent more than 30 years perfecting their space and transforming it into a showcase of beauty and bloom. They poured their hearts into every detail, filling it with beauty, comfort, and countless personal touches. That home—and the joy of making it their own—really shaped the second half of their lives. It was the place where they created memories, cared for grandchildren, hosted family, and tended to the flowers and gardens Mary loved so much. Martha Stewart had nothing on Mary.

If the love for animals can be hereditary, Mary certainly passed it on to both daughters and her grandchildren. She fed, took in, and adopted as many pets as she could throughout her life.

She was also a complex and private woman—strong-willed and proud, with high expectations not only for herself but for those around her. It's no secret that Mary was not a fan of large social gatherings, but oh how she enjoyed lunches out, shopping, pool time, birthdays and adventures with her closest people.

Mary loved hard and gave generously to those she held dear. Her presence, strength, and many talents will be deeply missed. She is survived by her husband of more than six decades, Layman (Lee) Scaggs; daughters Susan Adams and Leslie Stroker (Mark); five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial visitation will be held Thursday August 14, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Collier's Funeral Home 3400 N. Lindbergh St. Ann MO 63074