Obituary of Mary Kegley Bucklen

Mary Kegley Bucklen, also known as Mary B. Kegley, departed this life on February 22, 2025, at her home in Wytheville. She was 95 years old. She was born July 2, 1929, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, the daughter of the late Arthur J. and Clara MacQuarrie Boddington and was a descendant of two Mayflower settlers. She became a citizen of the United States on July 4, 1967, at Monticello in Charlottesville, VA. She was predeceased by Dr. James B. Kegley, father of her two children, and Larrie L. Bucklen, her late husband. She is survived by daughter, Dr. M. Anne Kegley of San Diego, California, and daughter, Dr. Susan Kegley and her husband Dr. Geoff Marcy of Santa Rosa, California. Step-children, Brenda S. Bucklen of Houston, and L. Scott Bucklen of Thailand, children of Larrie L. Bucklen, three grandsons, Benjamin and Nathan Van Wormer and James Van Wormer Santos and their wives, and three great grandchildren, Penelope (Penny), Malcolm, and Cruz Van Wormer. She was predeceased by her one brother, Frederick J. Boddington, whose wife Dorothy, and their children and families, and several cousins live in Canada. Mary received her Bachelors’ and Masters” Degrees in history from Radford University, and her Juris Doctor at the University of Richmond School of Law. She taught Business Law at Virginia Tech and practiced law in Wytheville. She was a member of the Virginia Bar Association for 38 years. After her retirement, she trained as an airplane pilot and obtained her license in 1994 at Mt. Empire Airport, VA, fulfilling a dream she had many years before to follow in the footsteps of her father, her brother and daughter, Susan, who are also licensed pilots. Beginning in the late 1950s and over her lifetime, she authored a total of sixty-seven books. Included were the Riggle family history, the history of St. John’s Lutheran Church with historian, F. B. Kegley, five volumes of Early Adventurers on the Western Waters, the Wythe County Bicentennial History, two works of historical fiction, compilations of courthouse records, and other books relating to genealogy and history, especially of Wythe County. More than 100 of her articles were published in various local and regional journals. She taught genealogy, and her books were well known all over the United States. In 2003, she was a founding member of the Wythe County Genealogical and Historical Association (WCGHA), a Regional Research Center in Wytheville, VA. Her books are now available through WCGHA. Her name appears on the Wall of Honor in Wytheville, and she received the Paul Harris Fellow Award from the local Rotary Club. The James Breckenridge Chapter, DAR of Roanoke, presented her with the Americanism Award for Naturalized Citizens; and the NSDAR presented her with the History Award. The Wythe County Community College presented her with the Distinguished Service Award, and from the Virginia Genealogy Society she received the Virginia Records Award. During her final year, she was tenderly cared for by the dedicated caregivers of Wythe Hospice of Southwest Virginia and Love By Hope, with special gratitude to Crystal Cox, Susie Horton, Leeann Mundy, Jennifer Pitts, Amy Kerns, and Dr. Etthan Miller for their enduring support. In keeping with Mary’s wishes, no public funeral or graveside service will be held, but her memory will be cherished by all who knew her. Donations may be made in Mary’s name to the Wythe County Genealogical and Historical Association, PO Box 1601, Wytheville, VA. 24382.