Myrtle Scruggs

Myrtle Gertrude (Jones) Scruggs, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025 at the age of 92. Born April 21, 1932, in Trenton, Florida, she was the daughter of Elsie Lena Sheffield Jones and Wade Robert Jones and the last surviving of eight siblings: Russell, Vincent, Doyle, Lois (Holmquist Howard Ruffner), Robert, Prieston, and Corky Jones.

Myrtle graduated from Trenton High School in 1950, where she was a proud member of the varsity women’s basketball team. After graduation, she moved to Tampa and attended a church meeting that changed her life forever—there, she met James “Jim” Scruggs. A roller-skating date marked the beginning of a love story that lasted a lifetime.

After their courtship, Myrtle moved to Michigan, where she lived with Grace and Carlton Scruggs while Jim completed his education at the University of Michigan. They were married in 1954 and started their life and family in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Together, they raised three daughters in a home they built by hand.

Myrtle and Jim remained in Ann Arbor until Jim’s retirement in 1987, when they returned to Myrtle’s hometown of Trenton, Florida. Myrtle embraced life in Trenton, reconnecting with her family and the community she loved so dearly. She was an active and devoted member of the Trenton Church of Christ, the Trenton Women’s Club, the Trenton Red Hatters, and a dedicated volunteer at Ayers Health & Rehab.

Myrtle’s love of the outdoors was reflected in her beautiful gardens, and she had a special passion for raising monarch butterflies, and fishing. Whether she was tending her plants or cruising her property on a golf cart, Myrtle’s joy for life and connection to nature were evident.

A pillar of kindness and warmth, Myrtle will be remembered for her boundless love and dedication to her family. She is survived by her beloved husband of 70 years, Jim Scruggs, her three daughters, Sharon (Ted) Carpenter, Janet (Randy)Hoffman, and Carla Scruggs (Susan Fisher); grandchildren Katie (Taylor) Whitt, Ryan Hoffman (Dr. Kieran O’Brien), Blake Hoffman, Sarah Hoffman (Dr. Lauren Steimle); great-grandchildren Jake Carpenter and Oliver Whitt. Preceded in death by grandsons Chris and Scott Carpenter.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff and volunteers at Ayers Health & Rehab for their compassionate care of Myrtle. Many thanks to the Trenton Church of Christ members who loved her, provided many cards, meals and visits. 

A service celebrating Myrtle’s extraordinary life will be held at Watson-Milton Funeral Home on Saturday, January 18, 2025 11:00am visitation 12:00pm service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Michigan Christian Youth Camp 820 N. Lake George Rd Attica, MI 48412. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home, Trenton. (352)463-8888 www.watsonmilton.com