Ross Tillman Scott, 98, of Excelsior Springs, passed away peacefully at home on July 16, 2025, following a short illness. Ross was the only son of Ralph Tillman “Jatney” Scott and Tressie “Tess” Scott. He grew up in Athelstan, Iowa, and Grant City, Missouri. He graduated high school in 1945 and was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving until November 1946.
He completed a second tour of duty during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. Following his military service, Ross attended Northwest Missouri State University, where he played basketball and baseball. When the university launched its baseball program in 1956, Ross batted an impressive .526 during its inaugural season.
Ross pursued a successful career in insurance sales and had his best year in the industry during his 80s—a testament to his ability to sell one on the benefits of life insurance and annuities! A passionate sports fan, Ross especially loved boxing, baseball, football, and basketball. He had an encyclopedic memory for sports statistics and player histories.
He relished taking his friend Bennie, along with his great-grandsons and anyone else he could recruit, to Northwest Bearcats football games. Ross also enjoyed the outdoors, particularly fishing and hunting with his friends and his beloved son, Todd.
In later years, Ross was a proud and loyal member of the Excelsior Springs “Old Codger Coffee Club,” which met every weekday morning at The Elms or Daylight Donuts for coffee and conversation. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Mark for ensuring Ross got to and from these gatherings safely.
Ross was preceded in death by his wife, Bunnie Jo (Ewart) Scott, and his only son, Todd Scott.
He is survived by his daughters, Suzanne Scott (Mark Baxter) and Judy Heiffus; his granddaughter, Stephanie Heiffus; two great-grandsons, Ellis Egger and Henry Burns (Abigail); four great-great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Genevieve, Maximilian, and Elizabeth Burns; his beloved nephew, Dan Ewart (Doreen); and his cherished dog, Abbey.
Services will be held July 28, 2025 at the Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Excelsior Springs; with visitation at 2:00PM followed by the ceremony at 3:00PM.
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