Lainey Mae Scroggs

Lainey Mae Scroggs, age 13, of Temperance, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. The daughter of William and Sarah (Knapp) Scroggs, she was born on June 12, 2013, and in her short time on this earth, Lainey left an extraordinary imprint on everyone blessed to know her.

Lainey lived life with a joy, determination, and spirit that were uniquely her own. Sideline and competitive cheer were at the very heart of who she was. She loved every part of the sport, but especially being a flyer and the feeling of reaching for something new. She was hardworking and fiercely determined, always pushing herself to learn another tumbling skill, master a new stunt, and become better than she was the day before. Every accomplishment, no matter how big or small, brought an unmistakable smile of pride to her face.

Cheer also created one of the most special bonds in Lainey’s life. She and her mother, Sarah, shared a beautiful closeness, especially through the seasons Sarah coached sideline cheer. Lainey wanted her mom by her side so much that she begged Sarah to be her coach. Those moments together became treasured memories filled with laughter, hard work, encouragement, and a love that went far beyond the field.

Lainey was also a remarkable student. She took school seriously, worked hard, and consistently excelled academically, earning all A’s. She approached everything she did with the same determination she brought to cheer. When Lainey set her mind to something, she gave it her all. Lainey would have been entering her eighth-grade year at Bedford Junior High School in September.

But perhaps what people will remember most about Lainey was her personality. She was witty, hilarious, and effortlessly funny. She had a gift for making people laugh and could turn an ordinary moment into a memory. Lainey had nicknames for everyone and was always thinking of another way to make someone smile. She was easygoing, kind, and selfless, often putting the needs and happiness of others before her own. She loved deeply and had a way of making the people around her feel seen and loved.

Lainey had a very large circle of friends and was seemingly always “on call.” Her phone was never far away because there was always someone she was talking to, checking on, laughing with, or making plans with. She treasured her friendships and brought her bright, fun-loving spirit into each one.

She had so many favorite things that will forever remind her family of her. She loved golf cart rides to Grandma Sue’s while jamming to music, friendly pickleball matches, participating in the latest TikTok trends, trips to Sunset Cove on Marble Lake, adventures at Cedar Point, and vacations to Orange Beach. Music made her heart sing, and wherever you found Lainey, you could almost always find music playing nearby.

And then there were the little things that were simply Lainey. Lemons. Pickles. Sour candy. Oreos. Dr. Pepper. According to Lainey, if there weren’t any of those staples in the house, then there was no food in the house at all.

Lainey believed in being on time. If you weren’t early, you were late. She carried that same determination into everything she did and would want those who loved her to remember that lesson. More than anything, Lainey would want people to take her fun-loving spirit with them, to laugh often, love deeply, think of others, and work hard at everything they do.

Lainey shared an especially close and treasured relationship with her older sister, Kenna. Lainey looked up to Kenna tremendously and often strived to follow in her footsteps. Kenna was not only her big sister, but someone Lainey admired, learned from, and loved deeply. Their bond was a beautiful part of Lainey’s life, and the memories they created together will be cherished forever. Lainey’s affectionate nickname, “Ainey Bae,” given to her by Kenna, was a special reflection of the love and connection they shared, and a name that became a precious part of who she was within her family.

Lainey shared an especially close relationship with her dad, Billy. The two were constantly joking, teasing, and picking on one another. Laughter was the center of their relationship and the language they shared so naturally. Billy lovingly nicknamed her “Toot Fart Lain,” while Lainey affectionately called her dad “Tilly.” Their playful bond was unmistakable, and the laughter they shared will remain one of the greatest treasures of his heart.

Lainey’s life was far too short, but it was beautifully full. Full of laughter, cheer, music, friendship, determination, family, and love. She taught those around her to work hard, celebrate every accomplishment, make others laugh, love fiercely, and never take the ordinary moments for granted. Though her family and friends will carry the heartbreak of losing her, they will also carry the immeasurable gift of having loved a girl whose kindness, joy, and unforgettable spirit made the world brighter. Lainey’s light will continue to shine in every memory, every song, every cheer, and every smile she left behind.

And in the words Lainey would always say:

“Goodnight, sleep tight, don’t let the Bad Bugs bite.”

Until we meet again, sweet “Ainey Bae”. We love you forever. ❤️

Lainey was preceded in death by her beloved grandfathers, Papa Joe Scroggs and Papa Rich Knapp.

She is survived by her loving parents, Billy and Sarah Scroggs; her sister, Kenna Scroggs; grandmothers, Sue Knapp and Connie Scroggs; aunts, Kelly (Ali) McVay and Laura Scroggs; uncle, Jon Scroggs; cousins, Ella Richardson, Anaya McVay, and Ali McVay II; and cousins who were more like sisters, Jade and Mila McVay. She also leaves behind countless additional aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, classmates, teammates, and family members who loved her dearly and will carry her memory in their hearts.

Visitation will be Sunday, August 16, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in the Urbanski’s Bedford Funeral Chapel 8300 Lewis Ave. Temperance, MI where A Celebration of Life Service for Lainey Mae will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Whiteford Union Cemetery.  A wake will follow the burial at Forestview Lanes.

A Bedford Community Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. in the Bedford Community Stadium. More information will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made through the GoFundMe established for Lainey Mae Scroggs or directly to the Scroggs family.

Online condolences may be shared at www.bedfordfuneralchapel.com .