Mary Esta Scruggs, 82, of Blue Ridge Summit, PA, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday morning, February 21, 2026.
Born April 20, 1943, at Waynesboro Hospital in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Charles F. Shockey and Erma (Alexander) Pryor.
Affectionately known as “Het” by her close friends and family, Mary Esta spent her early life in Highfield, Maryland. She attended Smithsburg High School, where she met her high school sweetheart, Jerry R. Scruggs. They were married on December 16, 1959, and made their home in Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania, where they lovingly raised their four children. Jerry preceded her in death on September 26, 2014.
Mary Esta was a devoted member of Jacob’s Church in Fairfield, Pennsylvania.
She was a dedicated stay-at-home mother until 1975, when she began her career as a school bus driver for the Waynesboro Area School District. Much of her 30-year career was spent transporting special needs children to the Franklin County Learning Center — a role she embraced wholeheartedly. Her compassion for the children in her care was evident to all who knew her. It was not uncommon for her to bring a child home for an evening of special attention, take the bus through the McDonald’s drive-thru for treats, or stop at Paul’s Market on Thursdays for soft pretzels for everyone. She retired in 2005 after three decades of faithful service.
Mary Esta and Jerry shared many hobbies and happy times together. As Jerry pursued his work as an auctioneer, she could often be found clerking and assisting at auctions by his side. Together, they shared a love for antiques and owned and operated an antique shop for many years.
Mary Esta found great joy in gardening and caring for her lawn, which she proudly maintained until last spring. She took immense pride in both the inside and outside of her home.
Her love for God was steadfast, and her greatest legacy was guiding her children to know and follow Christ. Her family meant everything to her, and she cherished each friendship she made. She will be remembered for her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, her boundless generosity, nurturing spirit, willingness to help others — often even strangers — in times of need, and for the playful shenanigans that brought laughter to all who knew her.
In the face of trials and tribulations, Mary Esta remained her family’s source of strength and stability through her unyielding faith.
She is survived by her children: Denise (Tony) Clark, Sandy (John) Bowling, Jerry (Amy) Scruggs II, and Cheryl (Eric) Carty; grandchildren: Sarah (Rich) Keefer, Rachel (Neel) Anderson, Joey (Danielle) Reed, Christopher Wertz, Andrew (Hollister) Bowling, Benjamin (Emilee) Bowling, Bradley (Alyssa) Scruggs, Corey Scruggs, and Clayton Scruggs; great-grandchildren: Emma Clark, Landon and Willow Keefer, Savannah Anderson, Asher and Iver Scruggs, Luna and Tripp Reed, Riley and Forrest Bowling; as well as several step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her special friend of the past 10 years, Robert Graybill.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a precious granddaughter, Olivia Lynne Bowling, whom we are certain was waiting alongside her Pawpaw to welcome her Nana into Heaven.
She was also preceded in death by her brother, Charles “Alec” Shockey, and her sister, Charlene Christman, and was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in Jacob’s Church, 495 Harbaugh Valley Road, Fairfield, PA with Rev. Richard Daughtridge officiating. Burial will be private in St. Andrew Cemetery, Waynesboro.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Tuesday evening, in Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, 50 S. Broad St., Waynesboro, PA and one hour prior to the services, Wednesday morning, in the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jacob’s Church, 495 Harbaugh Valley Rd., Fairfield, PA 17320, or Mercy House, 730 Norland Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201.
