Margaret Fern "Scooter" Lilley

Margaret Fern “Scooter” (McKenzie) Lilley passed away September 1, 2026, at her home in Eureka.

Scooter was born on September 3, 1933, in Eureka, Kansas, to Art and Elizabeth (Boone) McKenzie. She was raised on the family farm outside of Neal, Kansas, and graduated from Tonovay High School.

She married Robert Lilley, and together they had five children: Robin, Timothy, Joy, David, and Marc. In 1963, the family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Following the end of her marriage, Scooter remained in Albuquerque until her return to Eureka in 2022.

Scooter owned and operated her own hair salon for over 50 years and Maggie’s Raspberry Ranch Bed and Breakfast in Albuquerque’s North Valley for over 20 years. She had numerous other business ventures alongside her life partner, Alex Newman.

She had a deep commitment to helping others. Scooter served as President of New Mexico Search and Rescue, where she participated in rescue efforts alongside her German Shepherd, Cassius. She also devoted her time to Casa Angelica, where she cut children’s hair and provided weekend stays for children with disabilities.

Scooter was preceded in death by her parents, Art and Elizabeth McKenzie; her brothers, Gale McKenzie and Bob McKenzie; and her son, David Lilley.

She is survived by her partner, Alex Newman of Eureka, Kansas; her sister, Shirley “Sis” Gulick of Olpe, Kansas; and her children, Robin Lystad and husband Gerald of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; Timothy Lilley and wife Marsha of Neal, Kansas; Joy Dalsted and husband Norm of Pueblo, Colorado; and Marc Lilley of Fort Collins, Colorado; 11 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren, along with many other family members and friends whose lives she touched throughout her nearly 93 years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.