Roberta Scott

Roberta Odile Scott, known as Skip to family and friends, grew up in Belleville, Illinois. Skip was raised by her father Morris Pirson, a Belgian coal miner, and Agnes Pirson, of Irish descent. As a child, Skip was treasured for her fearless imagination, boundless curiosity, and love of new people. From a young age, she held an innate spirituality and connection with nature, living with a rare spark for life that only magnified as she grew older.

Skip graduated from Belleville West high school where she was involved in a variety of clubs. At  nineteen, she met the love of her life, Warren “Scotty” Chesney Scott, who worked at her father’s service station. Skip and Scotty were married in the Union United Methodist Church in Belleville, Illinois in 1957 and raised four children together – Morris, Michelle, Michael, and Kelly. Skip and Scotty were married for 62 years; together they created a love that was sparkling, lively, and ever enduring. Their love story is one that inspires and lives on in their ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Skip was known to her children as being an embroidery wizard, Halloween costume maker extraordinaire, cake queen, a notable quilter, first rate chicken noodle soup chef, and world class ironer – taking special joy in crisp cotton sheets and straight Levi jeans. Skip would extend her gifts as a mother to those that were down-trodden, lonely, or ill, inviting them into her home and encircling them in love and family. True to the nickname “Skipper,” she loved the sea. In her young years, it was not surprising to find her swimming long distances to greet ships on the horizon and in her old age, enjoying her favorite beach in La Jolla with tea in her hand and sand between her red painted toes.

Throughout her life, Skip was a prolific and authentic writer. At 63, Skip honored her passion by submitting her work to the local Paradise Valley newspaper, for whom she became an avid award winning columnist, sharing her gift of words and insight with the Arizona valley.

Skip was wholehearted and enthusiastic in her role as a grandmother. She spent many afternoons volunteering to read in each grandchild’s class at school. She taught her grandchildren how to find the magic in things small and large, to always make time for tea and good conversation, to start the morning with a rose, and to face life with gratitude and grace. They remember being lulled to sleep by the sound of her voice telling stories of moons, mice, and worlds of wonder.

A few of Skip’s favorite things included family, friends, her dog Harry, writing, reading, art, plays, opera, genealogy, traveling, sitting by the sea, Arizona sunsets, full moons, sparklers, humming a tune, practical jokes, and a fresh orange every morning. It is with these things she is remembered.

Please join us in honoring a life well lived. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 3:00 PM.  Paradise Valley United Methodist Church in the chapel, 4455 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253.  Celebration of life to immediately follow at the Wrigley Mansion. Join us for memories, food, and festivities. 2501 E. Telawa Trl., Phoenix, AZ. 85016

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity or performing a random act of kindness to make someone’s day a bit brighter.