Barbara Jean Pugh's Obituary
Barbara Jean Pugh was born October 29, 1923 in Wichita, Kansas to parents Julia Phillips and George (Jack) Phillips.
Barbara was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She went to meet her Lord and Savior on January 16, 2015 at the age of 91.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Julia Phillips Poe, George (Jack) Phillips, A.E. Poe, and her husband, Ray Alton Pugh.
Family members cherishing her memory are her son, Mike Pugh and wife, Cathy of Huntsville, TX and son Pat Pugh and wife, Charla Ann of Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She leaves behind her granddaughter, Sally Pugh Collier and husband, Wade of Richmond, TX., and grandson, Charlie Pugh of Houston, TX. Nana also leaves behind her beloved great-grandchildren Sophie and Jack Collier, her sister, Helen Karnes of Birmingham, Alabama, and her best friend, Bess Miller of Longview, TX.
Barbara attended Baylor College for 2 years, then married Ray Alton Pugh on April 26, 1945 in Grand Saline, TX. After their marriage, they moved to California. Barbara worked while Ray served in the Merchant Marines.
After moving back to Texas, Barbara was a busy wife and Mother to two sons, Mike and Pat Pugh. She served as the secretary at Mobberly Ave. Baptist Church for several years and secretary for Architect Gerald Foster in Longview as well. Upon retirement, Bobbie and Ray enjoyed traveling and hiking in state and national parks. One of the highlights of Barbara’s travels was a trip to Europe in 2004 with family members.
Barbara (Bobbie to her friends), loved spending time with her family and friends. She was an avid fan of crossword puzzles, and most any game which included those she loved. In the past few years, she was delighted to learn and play Mahjong. Many afternoons were spent enjoying this game with her friends. Bobbie loved spending time outdoors. One of her favorite pastimes was feeding and watching the birds on her back patio. She was very accomplished at needlepoint and cross-stitch making treasured pieces, including beautiful Christmas stockings for her family members. Her family and friends greatly enjoyed meals that Bobbie prepared, especially her delicious coconut pie and Nana’s Pound Cake.
Barbara’s church home was always a source of comfort and a focus of her activities. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Longview. She knew and loved her Savior and before her passing shared with family that she was ready to go to her heavenly home.
Barbara’s life was a testimony to her faith in God and her love for her family and friends. Her smile, giggle, sense of humor and sweet spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Her grandchildren, Sally and Charlie, say this about their Nana … She was tough as nails, and sweet as pie!
Visitation will be held at Rader Funeral Home in Longview from 5:00 – 7:00 pm on Monday, January 19.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Longview on Tuesday, January 20, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, PO Box 1890, Amarillo, TX 79174
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