Susan Renee Skjersaa

Known for her effervescent spirit, love of outdoor adventure and lively sense of humor, Renee Scott Skjersaa was a shining light to all who knew her. A dedicated middle school math teacher for Bend-La Pine Schools for nearly 20 years, Renee was instantly recognized and enthusiastically greeted by both her current and former students and their families throughout the community. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management, Renee moved with her best friend Stacy and their dog Chewy to Portland, Oregon, where she earned her Master of Education from Portland State University. Renee began her teaching career in Madras, Redmond, and La Pine before landing her dream job at Cascade Middle School in Bend in 2007. She played a pivotal role in developing and growing the school’s cross-country running and track programs, ultimately helping to build an outdoor trail and track for the teams. When Pacific Crest Middle School opened in 2015, she was selected to join their inaugural math department, and continued teaching and coaching cross-country until 2023. Most recently, Renee served as an internship specialist with the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, where she connected local high school students with valuable internships and career opportunities. Her passion for service extended far beyond her career, as Renee was also a committed volunteer in her community. A gifted natural athlete, Renee embraced learning new sports and had an undeniable passion for outdoor recreation. After relocating to Oregon in 1995, she became an avid member of the rock climbing community at Smith Rock, contributing to the development of its now-established trail system. Renee also enjoyed alpine and Nordic skiing, mountain biking, cyclocross, road cycling, distance running, hiking and traveling. A skilled cyclist and cheerful competitor in elite-category races, Renee was a consistent presence in Oregon’s cycling community, proudly riding for the Sunnyside Sports and Deschutes Brewery teams. In 2013, when Renee (and her beloved dog, Maggie) met Terry Skjersaa, they instantly connected over their shared love for the outdoors and their deep commitment to family, friends and community. Renee and Terry married on August 20, 2015, on Elk Lake. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, fresh air, family, travel and a shared vision for a future together. Renee was a devoted stepmother to Ellie and Jade, and her love for them, Terry and their extended family was boundless. Renee and Terry were passionate about live music and often attended local concerts and community events. An extraordinary cook, Renee had a remarkable talent for effortlessly preparing delicious meals for her friends and family. She and Terry loved hosting gatherings, and evenings around the firepit were filled with good music, laughter and unforgettable moments of joy. Renee had a rare gift for making everyone feel lighthearted and helping them to find beauty in the simplest pleasures of life. Every guest left Terry and Renee’s home—not only with full bellies—but with hearts full of happiness and gratitude. We are better for having known her, and her influence will continue to shape our lives forever. Renee is survived by stepdaughters Ellie and Jade Skjersaa (Bend, Or.); mother Judy MeJeur and stepfather Wayne Mejeur (Marana, Az.); father Stephen Scott and stepmother Kathie Scott (Chapin, S.C.); brother Michael Scott (Greenville, S.C.); niece Jordyn Scott (Greenville, S.C.); aunt Sue Simon and uncle Paul Simon (Wheaton, Il.); cousins David Simon (Westfield, IN.), Karen Bettcher (Wheaton, Il.) and Katie Zabinski (Wheaton, Il.); and cherished dog Mojo. An outdoor Celebration of Life will be held on June 15, 2025, at the Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room and Headquarters from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Deschutes County Search and Rescue Foundation and the Central Oregon Avalanche Center. Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home was honored to handle the arrangments.

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Susan Renee Skjersaa

January 15, 1973 - February 17, 2025