Kay Waggoner
Brighton | Save
Kay Lynn Waggoner, 71, of Brighton, Illinois, was called home to her Lord and Savior on March 3, 2026.
Kay was born on May 9, 1954, in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, to Arnold French and Ruth “Jo Ann” (VanMetre) Schultz.
She married Steve Waggoner on June 28, 2002, at College Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Kay loved working in the airline industry. She started her career as a reservations agent for TWA. She later became a flight attendant and finally served as a flight service manager. Kay was a proud member of the Ruth Kelso Renfrow Art Club and TWA Clipped Wings. She loved dogs and had volunteered for the Alton Area Animal Aid Association. She also dedicated much of her time to serving others through her involvement with Operation Liftoff, Beautyful Waves, and Great Rivers CASA/GAL, giving generously of her time and compassion. She had a nurturing spirit and loved helping others.
She is survived by her loving husband, Steve Waggoner of Brighton, Illinois; her children, Nathan Anterhaus (Tricia) of Godfrey, Illinois; Blake Ely (Kendra) of Alton, Illinois; P.J. Ely (Amber) of Brighton, Illinois; and Joshua Waggoner of St. Louis, Missouri; her grandchildren, Kayden Anterhaus, Brandon (Aubrey) Prather, Grant Ely, Grayson Ely, Gunnar Ely, C.J. Ely, and Eleanor Ely; her brother, Leroy Schultz of Jerseyville, Illinois; her mother-in-law, Carolyn Talley of Brighton, Illinois; her father-in-law, David (Linda) Waggoner of Piasa, Illinois; her sisters-in-law, Mary Margaret Anterhaus of St. Charles, Missouri; Rose Heidenreich (Dennis) of St. Peters, Missouri; Donna Mundwiller (Stan) of St. Peters, Missouri; Mary Anterhaus of Hazelwood, Missouri; Kathy (Scott) Harper of Godfrey, Illinois; and Karen (Dan) Metz of Brighton, Illinois; her brothers-in-law, Gary Anterhaus of Florissant, Missouri; and Bob Talley Jr. of Brighton, Illinois; several nieces and nephews; and many friends and family who will miss her dearly.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and JoAnn Schultz; her first husband, Thomas Anterhaus; her second husband, Richard Ely; her father-in-law, Bob Talley Sr.; and her brothers-in-law, Robert Anterhaus and Duane Waggoner.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday March 11, 2026 from 5:00 pm till 8:00 pm at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 10:00 am at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey, IL.
Burial will follow at Brighton Cemetery in Brighton, Illinois.
Memorials may be made to the Alton Area Animal Aid Association.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
