Dates
Maberta Kay Weatherby Ellis, of San Angelo, passed away on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the age of 85, at her home following a period of illness complicated by dementia. She was born on December 16, 1939, in San Angelo, Texas, to Roberta Carr and Theron K. Weatherby.
Kay grew up in San Angelo and Big Lake, Texas, on the family ranch—a place that taught her resilience and stewardship. She was especially close to her younger brother, Theron Karman Weatherby, with whom she shared many childhood memories riding to and from town together for Reagan County schools and sports in their shared vehicle.
Following her love of art, Kay traveled to New York to attend art school before deciding to pursue a career in healthcare. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Angelo State University and worked as a medical technologist.
Kay was a remarkably talented artist. Her creativity knew no bounds—she painted, photographed, sculpted, and created beautiful, counted cross-stitch, intricate beaded jewelry, and many cherished rosaries she shared with friends.
In 1962 she married Sonny Becknell, and though they later divorced, they remained lifelong friends. In 1979, she married Buddy Ellis.
Kay was known for her generous spirit and deep love of community arts and music. She helped fund and support events and organizations such as the San Angelo Cowboy Gathering, Bluegrass Festival, Bluesfest, Rockin’ the Ranch, The Chicken Farm Art Center, and perhaps her favorites—the Lady in Blue Project and Heritage Park.
Music was central to her life. She rarely missed a jam session, often attending four or more each month, playing her keyboard and singing with friends. She especially loved hosting, welcoming musicians into her home for the 4th Monday jam each month. Kay also supported many musicians in advancing their careers, including Bernie Nelson, Case Hardin, Daniel Makins, KR Wood, and the Kin Faux band.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Roberta Carr and Theron K. Weatherby; her husband, Buddy Ellis; her brothers, Johnnie Sim Weatherby (and his wife, Jo Weatherby) and Dr. Karman Weatherby (and his wife, Carolyn Weatherby); nephews Jay Sim Weatherby, Joe Dean Weatherby, Jeff Weatherby, and Dr. Jerry McCabe; her dear aunt, Mabel Carnes; and dear friends, James Basford, KR Wood, and her first husband, Sonny Becknell.
She leaves behind her beloved daughters, Brandi and husband John Young of San Angelo, and Margo Robin Gooding of Bremond, Texas. Her grandchildren include Brianne Brock (Jason) of Eldorado, Kylie Collins (Josh) of San Angelo, and Desiree de Jongh (Jacob) of College Station. She adored watching them and her great-grandchildren grow: Brason, Kane, Jett, and Sadie Brock; Jonah, Quinton, and Livi Collins; and William Harman.
Other family members remaining to cherish her memory include Buddy’s children and their families: Kimberly Rathmell Morgan, Wade Rathmell (Janice), Kipp Rathmell (Donna); as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families: Tim Weatherby (Claire), Jay Weatherby (Jana), Amy Hendrick (Cal), Kristin Valicek (Ed), Mike McCabe (Diana), Terry McCabe (Anna), Todd McCabe, and Cindy Weatherby and their families.
Also especially dear are Heather and RL Pond of Amarillo and their children Jaxton, Preslie, and Tru; Ortencia de Leon of Arlington; Stacey Asbill (Brandon) of Mason; and Marjorie Maloney (Paul) of Cypress.
Kay leaves behind many friends, including Margaret Nixon, Diane Secord, Lucia Driskell, Tammy Worley, Jay and Penny Johnson, Dwain and Vicky Morrison, and all the musicians she played with at the jam sessions and that she enjoyed supporting.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, July 3, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Haper Funeral Home, 2606 Southland Blvd., San Angelo, TX. The graveside service will take place Saturday, July 5, at 11 a.m. at Glen Rest Cemetery, 100 E Lake St., Big Lake, TX, with Lori Jo Thomas singing.
A Celebration of Life & Jam Session will be held Saturday, July 5, from 6 – 8 p.m. at San Angelo Cowboy Church, 4015 N. Chadbourne, San Angelo, TX. Rev. Jay Johnson will officiate, and the family welcomes you to share your memories.
Pallbearers for the service will be Tim Weatherby, Jay Weatherby, Brownie Fisher, Case Hardin, Bernie Nelson, Mike Truitt, and T. Gozney Thornton.
In honor of Kay’s generous spirit, memorial contributions may be made to any of her favorite causes: House of Faith, San Angelo Cowboy Church, or Emmanuel Episcopal School of the Arts. Supporting these organizations is a meaningful way to continue her legacy of caring and giving.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Hospice of San Angelo, Shannon Home Health, and her special friends and caregivers: Aurora Lozano, Daija, Rebeckah, Ciria, and Maria, for their compassionate care and support.
Family and friends may share their condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.