Stephen Scott 1948-2011

Some may have heard that Stephen Scott passed away suddenly last week.  Stephen was a member of the Old Order River Brethren church, an Anabaptist researcher and the author of numerous books on Anabaptist topics, such as Plain Buggies and Why Do They Dress That Way?

I came to know Steve at the Young Center at Elizabethtown College in 2008, and catching up with him was a highlight of return visits.  Steve knew Amish settlements very well and always had something interesting to share.  I certainly didn’t know Steve as long or as well as others, but I always appreciated our conversations, his warm demeanor and sense of humor.  He will surely be missed by many.

Steve’s funeral will be held today at 10am at Landisville Mennonite Church.  More details and a full obituary can be found here.

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    13 Comments

    1. Marilyn from NY

      My Deepest Sympathy to Stephen’s family and friends. He was born the same year I was. Marilyn

    2. Rhonda

      Our loss is Heaven's gain

      I am so deeply saddened to learn of Steve’s passing. While I had met Steve only a few times at the Young Center’s events, I very much enjoyed conversing with him and gleaning from his vast knowledge of Anabaptist cultures. His contribution to this scholarship will leave a lasting legacy for many generations to come.

    3. Al in Ky.

      Thanks for sharing this sad news. I learned a lot from Stephen
      Scotts writings and think he contributed much to a better understanding of life amongst the Amish and other Anabaptist
      groups. His own story of becoming a member of a plain Anabaptist group was also very interesting.

    4. Missy

      A Beginning

      Picking up a couple of Stephen’s books at the Mennonite Center in Kalona IA started us on our journey into the plain churches. He will be missed by many.

    5. Charles Bauman

      memories of Charles Bauman

      I am employed as liaason with the plain communities at Philhaven/GreenPasture program. I had deepest respect for Steve and will miss seeing him at Young Center public events. I appreciated Steve’s knowledge and humble spirit. He will be missed greatly.

    6. Diane Paulson

      A Glowing Acquaintance

      I met Stephen at the Quilt Museum at the Old Country Store in Intercourse. God’s Spirit was very evident within him and he’s in Heaven now receiving the reward of his deep faith in Jesus. I am sad to know I will never see him again in this life, but rejoice that we will rejoice together in the next, because we both have trusted in what a marvelous work Jesus the Messiah did on the cross for us. May his family know deeply the comfort of their Savior’s presense.

    7. Terry Berger

      With sadness.

      I met Steve several times at meeting and am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Harriet and his family.

    8. Slightly-handled-Order-man

      wide reach

      I didn’t know Mr. Scott. But I am sad to hear of his passing. I am one to believe he went to be with the Lord.
      It is interesting that the plain dress participating member of the Religious Society of Friends “Quaker Jane” features a number of books by Scott on her website under the suggested reading section. His educational work has a reach further than just Amish / Mennonite plain dress.

    9. Kevin Lindsey

      I am sorry to learn of his passing. While I never had the pleasure of meeting him, I have learned much from his writings, which I always enjoyed.

    10. RIP Steve

      Steve was a dear friend and a wonderful scholar. His knowledge of Plain People practices and beliefs was just huge. I am so saddened to know of his passing. The loss for his family, his friends, his colleagues, and the Young Center is just incalculable. The world lost a fair man, as humble as smart. The Amish studies will miss one of the greatest. It has been always a pleasure to stop in his office at the YC, enjoy his sense of humor and his knowledge. I will definitely miss him. Be with the Lord, Steve. Thanks for your helpfulness.

    11. Ann Whitaker

      I am sorry to learn of Steve’s sudden passing; over the years, I have appreciated his scholarship. My prayers will be with his family.

    12. enjoyed his books

      I never met Mr. Scott, but I enjoyed “Plain Buggies” and “Living without Electricity”. The stories in “Living without Electricity” contributed to my desire to live a plainer life.

    13. Living without Electricity

      My office is next to a library. I just slipped over and checked out “Living without Electricity” to read again.