Russell Wayne Scruggs, 79

Russell (Russ) Wayne Scruggs slipped away peacefully on July 25, 2026, to be with Jesus. Russ was born September 24, 1946, to Vadan and Marjorie Scruggs and raised in the Bitterroot Valley. He attended school in Stevensville, Montana, and achieved his bachelor's degree in geology at the University of Montana. Throughout his life, Russ held a variety of jobs, from teaching in Browning, MT, and Twin Bridges, MT, to working as an independent contractor, mining consultant, and geologist. He pursued his love of geology and mining by developing numerous mining claims outside Twin Bridges and teaching adult education geology and rock-collecting classes. He also learned to restore old cars and even a helicopter, gardened, fished, hunted, and helped others.

Russ was an adventurous, determined visionary who was continually supportive, kind, loving, patient, generous, and helpful to those he encountered. He loved Jesus, his children and family, his many friends, geology, the Montana outdoors, and his many projects. He was endlessly supportive of his children and was immensely proud of them.

His time with us was cut short due to Alzheimer's disease, a battle he fought over the last couple of years. His kindness, patience, and generosity have forever changed the lives of his family and many friends, and his loss leaves a huge hole in their lives.

Russ is survived by his son, Andrew Scruggs (Christina) of Cedar Falls, IA; daughter, Sabrina Scruggs (Jamie Yelland) of Seattle, WA; ex-wife Edith Scruggs of Silver Star, MT; cousin Alice Bennett of Tacoma, WA; cousin Larry Scruggs of Graham, WA; and cousin Donna Duckett of Great Falls, MT. He will be missed by many cherished family and friends. A celebration of his life will take place at the Senior Center in Twin Bridges, MT, at 1 PM on September 26, 2026.