Mary Elizabeth Scaman
Mary Elizabeth Scaman, 84, of Stanton, MO, passed away Monday, January 2, 2023 at her home in Stanton, MO.
Mary Elizabeth Scaman was born on September 29, 1938 in East Chicago, IN to Michael and Marya Sabo. Mary’s family later moved to Dyer, IN where Mary graduated from Dyer Public High School.
She married Thomas Scaman on December 31, 1955 at St. Michael Cathedral in Schererville, IN. The young couple lived in Indiana and Illinois before settling in Berwyn, Illinois with their growing family. Mary was a mother first, but would work several jobs to help provide for the family too. Mary and Tom began their first business when they opened the Cookie Jar, which was a small market in Chicago on the famous Route 66.
In 1972, Mary, Tom, and their three sons moved to Stanton, MO, also along the famous Route 66, where they founded Apollo of the Ozarks fireworks manufacturing. In the late 70’s and 80’s, Mary always made sure the boys kept up their school work while helping to operate the growing family business. Working in tandem, Mary and Tom grew Apollo of the Ozarks to the biggest class C fireworks manufacturing company in the country. At the peak of Apollo of the Ozarks, they had over 100 employees. Rather than RV’s and vacations, Mary and Tom loved spending time together at the casino’s, whether in St. Louis or trips to Las Vegas. Mary would often joke that Tom would take her winnings while not sharing any of his. Visiting with friends at the casino was one of their favorite pastimes.
Mary’s primary mission was to create a loving household for her family. She was also an amazing story teller aided by her creative ability to embellish. The more times she told a story, the better it got. Mary was a strong, caring, and witty wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all that knew her. She had the superpower of making people laugh.
Mary is survived by two sons, Sam Scaman and wife Liz of Chanhassen, MN and Dan Scaman of Scottsdale, AZ; five grandchildren: Benjamin Castillo and wife Emily, Beth Little and husband Bill, Mary Beakley, Samantha Larson and husband Mike, Michael Scaman, and Patrick Scaman and wife Karynn; four great-grandchildren: Katie, Thea, Penny, and Rory; along with other extended relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Tom Scaman; two infant children and one adult son: Theresa, Thomas Michael, and Mark; and her parents, Michael and Marya Sabo.
A Memorial Mass will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 5, 2023 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Sullivan with Father Paul Telken celebrating. Inurnment will follow in the Saint Anthony Catholic Cemetery.
A brief visitation will be held prior to mass from 10:00 – 11:00 am, Thursday, January 5, 2023 at St. Anthony Catholic Church.
Memorial contributions in Marys’ memory may be given to Marians of the Immaculate Conception at https://forms.marian.org/donation/
Online condolences may be shared with Mary’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements are under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.