Jackie Leigh (Orth) Scott, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, at the age of 76. A lifelong resident of northwest Missouri and southern Iowa, Jackie leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and unwavering love that will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Born on July 3, 1949, in Maryville, Missouri, to Jack and Pauline Orth, Jackie grew up in Bedford, Iowa, as an only child. As a young girl, she spent many days in her dad’s shoe store in Bedford—Orth’s Shoe Store. She graduated from Bedford Community Schools in 1967 before attending Northwest Missouri State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1971 and her Master’s Degree in Education Administration in 1973.
Jackie dedicated 42 years to teaching second grade at Bedford Community Schools—the same district where she once sat as a student. Throughout her four-decade career, she was known for her compassion, patience, and devotion to her students. To generations of children, she was simply “Mrs. Scott.” Her impact as an educator extended far beyond academics—she shaped young lives, built confidence, and created a warm, loving learning environment. Her long tenure and unwavering dedication are a testament to her passion for education and the profound impact she had on the Bedford community. Jackie was also a longtime member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) chapter in Bedford, where she enjoyed connecting with others who shared her passion for helping women advance through education.
On December 24, 1972, Jackie married the love of her life, James (“Jim”) Scott. Together they shared 53 beautiful years of marriage. They were blessed with two daughters, Jamie and Julie, two dearly loved sons-in-law, and three cherished grandchildren. Jackie found immense joy in her family—especially in her role as “Grandma”—and treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren and granddogs.
Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Pauline Orth.
Left to honor and cherish her memory are her husband, Jim; her daughters Jamie (Sam) Scroggie of Maryville, Missouri, and Julie (Mike) Reilly of Ankeny, Iowa; and her beloved grandchildren Josie, Rorie, and Beckett.
Jackie will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her memory lives on in the hearts of her family, her friends, and all those she touched through her teaching and kindness.
Funeral Service for Jackie Scott, 76, of Maryville, Missouri, formerly Bedford, Iowa will be held Friday, January 16, 2026 at Cummings Family Funeral Home in Bedford, at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the funeral home, from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM with family greeting friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Interment will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials may be directed towards the family to be established in Jackie's memory.
