Betty A. Scaggs

Betty A. Scaggs of Caro, formerly of Bay City & Auburn, age 91, passed away late into the evening of November 5, 2023 with Rheta and the staff of Heritage Hills at her side. Betty was born on October 6, 1932 in VanLaer, Kentucky, one of ten children born to the late Martin Luther and Mary (Gibbs) Rice. She attended school until the 8th grade and went on to help raise her siblings and help her family. Later in life, Betty proudly achieved her GED. She was the most wonderful homemaker until her youngest was in high school and then she went on to work at Bay Medical Center, now known as McLaren Bay Region. Betty worked as a clerk in nursing at the hospital for twenty-four dedicated years, retiring in 1994. She was married to the love of her life, Paul Scaggs on March 19, 1966, in Bay City. Their marriage was blessed with forty-two years until Paul’s passing on January 14, 2008.

Betty and Paul loved camping and traveling in their RV. During the winter months, they found solace and warmth in Arizona’s deserts. Amidst the serene landscapes and golden sunsets, they found joy and friendships that would last for many years. Their Arizona family always held a dear place in their hearts. For over thirty-two years, Betty took a trip down to West Virginia for the family reunions, a visit she always treasured and looked forward to each year. Her family meant the world to her, each one of her nieces and nephews were held very dear to her heart.

Betty had a love for the thrill of the casino and for bingo that was unparalleled. She was at her happiest when surrounded by the colorful lights, sounds of spinning reels, and friends. Betty was a talented crafter, attending and working at many bazaars, sharing her creations with everyone. Her joy and fulfillment in crafting extended beyond the finished products; it was a means of sharing her love and warmth with others. Betty generously gifted a handmade crocheted quilt to each one of her grandchildren, a gift that will be treasured for many generations. You could often find Betty swinging on her backyard swing, enjoying nature. She had the best emotional support dog, Missy, who was a beloved companion for the last twelve years. Beyond her profound love for family, traveling, the casino, and her furry friend, Betty was a beacon of light in the lives of all who knew her. Her kindness, connection, and endless capacity to love touched the hearts of many, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and empathy.

Betty leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Barbara Wizner, Thomas Ray Blankenship (estranged), and Rheta (Patrick LaFeve) Dufresne; daughter-in-law, Carol Scaggs; Paul’s children, Mildren Lynn Bennett and Deborah (Dr. Charles) Ellsworth; many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many special nieces and nephews; and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Betty was preceded in death by her son, Rickie Scaggs; sons-in-law, Michael Wizner and Jerry Bennett; siblings, Josephine Stapleton, Joseph Rice, Nellie Mae Gillum, Gladys Martinez, Luther Rice, Ruth Ann Short, Leroy Rice, Etta Fae Rice, BillieJean McDowell, and Catie Rice.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro. A private burial taking place in Pinegrove Cemetery in Fisherville. Betty’s family will be present to receive visitors at the funeral home on Friday, November 10, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of her 12:00 p.m. service. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at Heritage Hill in Caro and at Care Line Hospice of Saginaw for their compassionate and loving care of Betty. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the family, c/o Rheta Dufresne or a charity of the donor’s choice.