Carolyn “Kay” Eggleston, 85, of Arbela, Missouri passed away Tuesday morning, January 21, 2025 at the Scotland County Hospital in Memphis, Missouri. Kay was born on September 10, 1939 in rural Scotland County to Robert Harold “Bud” and Flora Madge (Jones) Daggs.
Kay attended a one-room school house called Prairie View near her family farm. She graduated from Memphis High School in 1957. Kay was united in marriage to Denver McClamroch on June 10, 1957. To this union three children were born, Kelley Kay, Thomas Mark, and Wyatt Harold. She was later married to Kenneth Eggleston on February 25, 1973. To this union, Kay gained a step-son, Mark. Then Kenny and Kay welcomed one more, Kristy Ann.
Kay worked for Ezra Dodge at the Dodge & Smith Grocery Store and drove the Rutledge High School Bus for several years before she began preparing taxes. Kay owned and operated Eggleston Bookkeeping & Tax for over 40 years.
Kay was a faithful member of the Arbela United Methodist Church, a 50 year member of Rutledge Chapter #343 Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the American Revolution, very involved 4-H member and alumni, lifelong farmer, and active community member.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Madge, her husband Kenneth on November 26, 2012, her brother Larry Daggs, sister-in-law Jean Daggs, son-in-law Bill Ketchum, grandson Jesse William Ketchum, and great-grandson Noah Jackson Wild.
Kay is survived by her children Kelley Ketchum (Dan Short) of rural Memphis, Missouri, Mark McClamroch (Patty) of Bucklin, Missouri, Wyatt McClamroch (Tonya Divine) of Columbia, Missouri, Mark Eggleston (Laurel) of Hannibal, Missouri, and Kristy Eggleston-Wood of Arbela, Missouri.
Kay is also survived by eleven grandchildren: Jason (Stephanie) Ketchum, Cody (fiance Casey) McClamroch, Courtney (Gary) Wild, Violet (Rodney) McClamroch, Crystal McClamroch, Amy (Clint) Bowe, Dakota McClamroch, Tiffany (Stephen) Link, Spenser (Sarah) Eggleston, Tasha (Jared) Fadiga, Taylar (Josh) Townsend, and a granddaughter-in-law Jenna Ketchum. As well as twenty great-grandchildren: Abigail, Addison, & Alyssa Bowe; Paisley, Harley, & Case McClamroch; Waylon & Colt Wild; Zada, Cora, Rhet, & Kruz Ketchum, Claire & Jaysee Ketchum, Alice McClamroch, DeMarco & DaMarius Wise, Harmony & Hendrix Joyner, and Prestyn Townsend.
Kay loved her family and was very proud of each of them. She was always on the go and caring for others. She could be found attending a grandchild’s event, cooking for a church event, canning produce she grew, sewing clothes when the kids were younger, going to a community event, and then going back to the office. She was a hard worker that was intelligent and knowledgeable in a multitude of areas, and a true community asset. Kay was a very devout Christian that was faithful from a young age. She played the piano and organ for many years in church. Kay was very loving and a friend to most. She seemed to know everyone and will be immensely missed by so many.
Memorials are suggested to the Mt. Moriah Cemetery Association or the Scotland County 4-H and can be left at or mailed to the Payne Funeral Chapel, 202 E. Madison St. Memphis, MO 63555.
Payne Funeral Chapel
Open Visitation
Payne Funeral Chapel
Family present to receive friends
Payne Funeral Chapel
Payne Funeral Chapel
Chapel Service
Mt. Moriah Cemetery
After travel time Burial on family lot
Visits: 2890
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors