White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – Ruth Nell (Burgett) Scott, 94 years old, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, died of natural causes, Monday, June 9, 2025, at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant. Ruth had previously resided in Janesville and Waterloo, IA.

Visitation will be on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the White Funeral Home in Independence, IA. Funeral Services will follow starting at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.

Ruth and her twin sister (Ruby) were born on July 31, 1930, in Hollis, OK. The twins were the daughters of William Otto and Vivian Ona Burgett. Ruth and Ruby attended schools in Hollis, OK, and high school in Inglewood, CA. On July 5, 1947, Ruth was united in marriage to Arthur P. Scott in Los Angeles, CA. The couple welcomed their first child, Linda, while in California. In 1951, the family of three moved to New Mexico, where Ruth was employed as a telephone operator. In 1952, the family of three returned to Arthur’s hometown of Independence, IA. That same year they welcomed their second child, Janice. In 1955, Arthur took a position at Dunlap Pontiac Garage in Independence, IA. That same year they welcomed their third child, Donna. In 1958, the family relocated to Waterloo, IA, for Arthur’s job, which moved daily operations to Cedar Falls, IA. That same year, Arthur took a position with the Cedar Falls Utilities. In 1959, the family welcomed their fourth child, Robert. In 1971, Arthur, Ruth, Janice, Donna, and Robert moved to Janesville, IA. In 2015 Arthur and Ruth relocated to Mt. Pleasant, IA to be closer to family. Ruth was formerly a member of Immanuel Southern Baptist Church in Waterloo, IA, and the Lifeline Assembly of God in Denver, IA.

Ruth was a loving mother, wife, and devoted homemaker. Her loyalty to her husband and family was exemplified in how she lived her life every day. She was always thinking of others and created a warm and nurturing environment for all. Her extraordinary intuition and sharp mind kept her involved with her family, oftentimes knowing something had happened in their lives before it actually happened. Ruth enjoyed cooking, sewing, and scrapbooking. She had a classy sense of style and loved to shop. She and Arthur traveled to antique sales and collected many pieces over the years. She intrigued many others with the pieces they found by telling them about the inner workings of each piece.

Ruth loved her country, and her patriotism was exceeded by few. She had deep respect for all members wearing the uniform. She proudly displayed the flag from her flagpole and knew many of the protocols of the military.

Ruth is survived by one son, Robert (Jenise Trappe) Scott, MSG, USARM (RET) of North Little Rock, AR; two daughters, Donna (Scott) White and Janice Larsen, of Mt. Pleasant, IA; seven grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arthur P. Scott; one daughter, Linda Stover - “Aunt Witty”; one grandson, David Niedert; one great-grandson, Jerrad Ramon; one brother, Milbrey Otto Burgett; three sisters, Maude (Burgett) Hamby, Jimmie Pierce, and Ruth’s twin, Ruby Dell (Burgett) Sirmons; and one daughter-in-law, Kristine (Klock) Scott.

Memorials may be directed to the family to be donated to organizations important to Ruth.

Condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com.
White Funeral Home, Independence, IA, is in charge of arrangements.