Lana Rae Scott, 62, of Salinas, passed Thursday, July 30, 2015 at her home in Salinas, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born August 3, 1952 in Oakland, California and grew up in Salinas.

She was a gifted pianist, singer, and professional song-writer with over a dozen songs published in New York. She loved animals, gardening, and retail therapy. She was an excellent cook, loving homemaker, and renowned prankster and story-teller. Lana loved to make others laugh. She married her high-school sweetheart, and love of her life. They had two beautiful children, and the four enjoyed a life filled with love and happiness together. 

Lana received her teaching credential from Sacramento State and then served as a beloved teacher and mentor for over 30 years. She positively shaped the lives of not only her own children, but hundreds of others at Kammann, Roosevelt, Del Rey, and Santa Lucia elementary schools.
She was diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer in December, 2013 and wasn't given long to live. In true Lana fashion though, she exceeded all expectations with her indomitable love of life, surviving another 19 months during which she lived life fully including traveling to New York City for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and enjoying a week in Hawaii with her family and grandchildren. 

Preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence E. Baggett, Ruby M. Baggett of Salinas. 

Lana is survived by her husband, Russell D. Scott, her son R. Christian Scott (Carly, Salinas), her daughter Malinda Ellen Scott Petersen (Dann, Wisconsin), her grandchildren Lilah Jane Scott, Lawson William Scott, Merritt Avery Petersen, Baby Petersen #2 (in utero) and her brother, Mark L. Baggett (Portland Oregon).

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at 1:30 p.m., at Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis St., Salinas.

Cremation has been held.

Floral tributes are appreciated. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Gathering Waters: Wisconsin's Alliance for Land Trusts 211 S Paterson St # 270, Madison, WI 53703
(608) 251-9131.