Kay Ann Goodpaster Scott, 80, of Dillsboro, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home on January 18, 2026, surrounded by her heart-broken, loving family.
Kay was the fourth of six children born to Carl and Muriel (Eaglin) Goodpaster. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Mary Etta McClellan and her brother, Ronald “Ron” Goodpaster.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, James Scott; her daughters, Jennifer (Jim) Cavanaugh and Penny (Dan) Turner; her grandchildren, Eddy Cavanaugh (Ellen), Kaylyn (Nathan) Wilson, Damion Dick, Arora Turner, and Nevara Turner; and her great-grandchildren, James Cavanaugh, Sydnee Wilson, Jackson Cavanaugh, and Briggs Wilson. She is also survived by her sister, Janet Oak; her brothers, Robert “Bobby” Goodpaster and Kenny (Vedenna) Goodpaster; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Kay had a lifelong love for animals and shared her life with many beloved dogs, cats, ducks, birds and even a pet opossum. Her faithful dog, Scooter, remained by her side until her final moment.
Kay, “Nana to her grands” was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. She touched countless lives with her kindness, creativity, and determination. During her school years, Kay was a clarinet player in band, a baton majorette, a cheerleader and a Farmer’s Fair Queen Candidate. She was one of the first baton twirlers in the area to perform with fire-lighted batons. She also enjoyed playing, and coaching softball and ran a few marathons.
Throughout her working life, Kay was employed at Conn Organ, Ross Manor, Seagram’s, and Aurora Casket Company. For several decades, she and Jim worked side by side operating their business, Highridge Storage.
In her free time, Kay delighted in attending yard sales and collecting her beloved “treasures,” amassing an eclectic collection of items from everything under the sun. She enjoyed playing the slot machines at the casinos with her sister Janet and her sister-in-law Linda Goodpaster. Her “claim to fame” was when she won 1 million pennies. She also loved the beach and truly enjoyed her yearly vacations to Florida/Myrtle Beach with her mom, sisters, daughters and other family members.
A true “jack of all trades,” Kay could master anything she set her mind to. She was an exceptional seamstress, making her own clothes, creating cheerleading and baton outfits for entire teams, making her daughters matching bikinis and even a prom dress. Her handmade Halloween costumes were legendary—one particularly memorable “Wonder Woman” creation earned her the perfect nickname that captured her strength and spirit.
Friends and family are warmly invited to join in a Celebration of Life gathering to honor and remember Kay in the near future at the American Legion Northcutt-Laaker Post 292, Dillsboro, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to P.A.W.S. Dearborn County, IN.
Filter-DeVries-Moore Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements: PO Box 146, Dillsboro, IN 47018; (812) 432-5480. Please visit our website at www.filterdevriesmoore.com to share your condolences and memories of Kay.