Elaine Woodruff Scott

Elaine Woodruff Scott came into this world on September 5, 1912 in Washington, DC and left it peacefully on November 11, 2010 in Raleigh, North Carolina. She lived a full and healthy life, loved and respected by all those who knew her.

Elaine was the backbone of a large and accomplished family. She was as proud of her heritage as she was of her legacy. Her father E.G. (Elmer Grant) Woodruff was and internationally recognized Geologist for the Texas Company and Founder of the Tulsa Geological Society. Elaine’s mother Amy Bucklin Woodruff was an accomplished musician who studied at the Boston Conservatory of Music.

Elaine was raised in Tulsa, OK alongside sisters Edith and Eva and brother Vivian. She graduated from Tulsa High School and went on to earn a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Nebraska. In addition to her studies, Elaine enjoyed her tenure as a “Pom-Pom Girl” cheering on the Corn Huskers at football games. There, on the sidelines, Elaine fell in love with her husband Willard Edward Scott who was a musician in the University of Nebraska Marching Band.

Willard and Elaine were married in Lincoln, NB and lived in Chicago, IL before settling in McLean, VA. With Elaine’s constant support, Willard became Deputy Treasurer of the United States. They were lifelong Democrats and Willard proudly served in the administration of President John F. Kennedy. Elaine very much enjoyed her life surrounded by America’s political dignitaries.

Besides raising four intelligent and accomplished sons, Elaine loved her career as a school teacher. In addition, she cultivated an artistic talent that earned her awards in painting and floral design. Elaine shared her love for the arts with her family, always taking her children and grandchildren to museums, craft shows, and theatrical events.

Elaine had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel. With her husband Willard she saw much of the world and particularly loved visiting Scotland, Greece and the Mediterranean. Later in life, Elaine traveled with her sons to Mexico, Spain, and Portugal.

Those who knew Elaine will always remember her delicious cooking and exceptional gardening abilities. These talents kept the Scott household warm, colorful, and full of good company. She was a longtime member of the McLean Garden Club and the League of Women Voters.

Elaine was blessed with a long, healthy life. She and Willard provided great strength, wisdom, and inspiration to everyone they met. They were proud of their Mid-Western heritage and embodied all that is good about life. Even in the most difficult times, Elaine kept a positive spirit and never complained. Willard provided her with a life she loved. She longed for his companionship after he past in September 1988 but bore his loss with grace. She was looking forward to meeting him again in Heaven. We rejoice in their reunion.

Elaine is survived by her four sons, Donald Allan Scott of Pacific Palisades, CA; Kenneth Edward Scott of Merida, MX; Robert Eugene Scott of Germantown, TN; Richard Craig Scott of Raleigh, NC; five grandchildren Jed, Sharon, Megan, Jonathan, and Christopher; and three great-grandsons Scott, Maxwell Cash, and Alexander.

The great life of Elaine Woodruff Scott will be celebrated on Friday, December 3, 2010 in Raleigh, NC. There will be a Memorial Service at the Church of the Nativity, 8849 Ray Road, at 1 PM followed by a reception at 2 PM. The ashes will be interred at St. Michael’s Church, 1520 Canterbury Rd, at 3 PM.