Mary "Molly" Amanda Scanlan

My beautiful Molly

"Well, you can name her anything you want, but we'll call her Molly!" replied her father.

So began the life of Molly McKee. Molly was born in Alton, Illinois, to her late parents, John and Virginia McKee. The sun rose on November 6, 1949, and set for her on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the age of 76.

Molly came to Virginia in 1973 with her husband, Allan, after he was discharged from the U.S. Army. Upon graduating from Old Dominion University, she began her teaching career in the Norfolk Public School System. Shortly thereafter, she relocated with Allan to Roanoke, Virginia, and took a position with the Roanoke Public School System in elementary education, retiring after 30 years in May 2004.

With newfound freedom, she and Allan spent many wonderful years visiting, playing, fishing, and living on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, settling in Botetourt County in 2009.

The draw to Fincastle was mystic. In early 2010, she discovered that she was a descendant of several very early settlers and Revolutionary War veterans who also settled and lived in the area. She was the 5th great-granddaughter of John McKee (1707- 1792) and Jane Logan McKee (1730-1763) of Kerrs Creek, Virginia. She was also a descendant of Captain (Col.) William McKee, Garrard, Kentucky, and the 3rd great-grandniece of Ensign James Logan McKee, Big Springs.

She became an active member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Olde Town Fenton Chapter, Fenton, Missouri. In June, she participated in the dedication of the McKee family Cemetery, Kerrs Creek, Virginia, along with other relatives from all across the United States

Given her family's heritage, Molly took a deep interest in history, especially that of the 18th and 19th centuries. She became a member of the Kentucky Rifle Association and presented an educational display at the national meeting in 2023. She was an active (and very good) primitive black powder shooter with her flintlock, which she named "Tinker", since the side plate was engraved with the outline of Tinker Mountain. She was a member of the Ridge Rifle Association, serving as the Secretary and Board member, including Chair of the Board. She studied 18th-century long rifle makers, especially those of Botetourt County, and co-authored several related articles for the local newspaper. She was articulate and thorough in all matters.

When she needed a break, she found relaxation in some of our Virginia mountain streams, Tennessee Rivers, and the bold waters of West Virginia. She pursued the wild browns on the South Holston tailwater in Tennessee with a passion. Apart from her outdoor-loving nature, she was equally at home with her AST sorority sisters, retired teachers, girls' night out friends, "wedding party" friends, and everyone in our community. Molly had only one enemy...ovarian cancer.

Molly was diagnosed on October 5th, 2023; she never gave up and fought hard every day in every way. She possessed more courage than most will ever have, other than victims of this disease. Her courage and spirit have carried those near to her who will miss her beyond words. The family would like to extend a most sincere thank you to Dr. Erin Saks and her staff, the team at the infusion centers, and the entire Carilion organization.

Molly lived in total harmony with the following passage:

“Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

Surviving is her husband of 58 years, Allan.

Brother John C. McKee, wife Nancy.

Nephews: Paul McKee, Eric McKee wife Leah, Landon, and Owen

Niece Julie Gallivan, husband Cory, nephews Noah and Luke.

Sisters-in-law: Dolly Sutton, nephew David, and niece Paula (Lisa)

Sister-in-law Della Armstrong, niece Megan.

Goddaughters: Melissa Dawn James and Catherine Nicole James

Additionally, a multitude of extended family and cherished friends.

A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Church of the Transfiguration, 7624 Roanoke Rd, Fincastle, Virginia, with Father Joe Molloy officiating. Interment will follow in Godwin Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home in Buchanan, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Molly's memory. Donations can be made to Gynecology-Oncology at Carilion Clinic by visiting carilionfoundation.org. Under "designation," click "other" and reference the Molly Scanlan Memorial Fund. Checks can be made out to the Carilion Foundation and mailed to 903 S Jefferson St, Roanoke, VA 24016.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.botetourtfh.com or by calling 540-254-3000.