of Paris, AR
December 29, 1946 - August 19, 2021
Betty Pugh, 74, a longtime resident of Paris, Arkansas passed away Thursday, August 19, 2021, at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center in Russellville.
She was born December 29, 1946, in Kingston to the late Thomas Homer and Jessie Lou (Mathis) Watson. Betty graduated from Plainview-Rover High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She retired as an educator from Paris Middle School after 29 years of service. Betty was a member of First Baptist Church in Paris where she served in vacation bible school and the Awanas children's ministry. She was also a member of the Retired Teachers Association.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, William ''Bill'' Pugh and infant brother, Tommie Joe Watson.
Survivors include two sons, Robert Pugh and wife, Melissa of Ratcliff and Alan Pugh and wife, Gail of Fayetteville; a daughter, Beth Keisling and husband, Thale of Russellville; four grandchildren, Ben and Claire Keisling, both of Greenwood and Sarah and Emily Pugh, both of Fayetteville; two brothers, John Watson of Russellville and Jim Watson of Bella Vista and a sister, Mary Hildebrand-Thomas of Boston, Massachusetts.
The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 23, 2021, at First Baptist Church in Paris with Rev. Harlin Brewton officiating. The family will receive friends after the service in the church fellowship hall. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday at Hunt's Chapel Cemetery in Rover with Rev. Keith Shipley officiating under the direction of Roller Funeral Home in Paris.
Pallbearers will be Keith and Kevin Faught, Toby Burkett, Wyatt Watson, Jim Peck and Ben Keisling. Lee Williams, Robert Bates and Ann Canada will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 567, Paris, AR 72855 or to Rover Baptist Church, P.O. Box 166, Rover, AR 72860.
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31 Condolence(s)
Princie Parkhill
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
Please accept our deepest sympathy in the death of your Mother. She was such a wonderful women and we had many good times at decoration in Rover, Ar. She was always kind and full of smiles. We loved her and will miss her. Remembering our good times together.
Dian Bradley
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Robert, Melissa & Family, I'm so.sorry to.hear about the loss of your Mom. I got to substitute teach with her when my chdren were in school. She was interested in the child learning and therefore what ever she could do to help them she was doing just that. I enjoyed being around her. She will be missed. Ya'll are in my prayers.
kay cox
Monday, August 23, 2021
Betty and I were best friends from the time we were little girls growing up at Kingston. She will always be a part of my memories of my growing up years. i was as at home at her house as I was at my own. I'm certain she and Bill are reunited now and will spend eternity together.
Bradley & Melissa Wiggins
Monday, August 23, 2021
Betty was a credit to this community. We will miss her wit and friendship. We were blessed to have worked with her. May she rest in peace. God bless her family. Betty's family are in our thought and prayers.
Jewell white
Sunday, August 22, 2021
I’m so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing.
I became acquainted with her after she retired from teaching. I enjoyed working with her at elections. Love and prayers to her family. God bless!!
Louise cox
Sunday, August 22, 2021
So sorry for your loss. I just loved her & talking to her about crocheting. Sending prayers to all
Melissa Canclini
Saturday, August 21, 2021
My sympathies to the families - sending love and support!
Judy Patterson
Saturday, August 21, 2021
We shared many years together at Paris Middle School as two-thirds of the math department. Betty was always there when I needed a friend to support me in whatever came along. She taught me how to be a grandmother without trying. God bless you!
Rich, Jungkyun, Prescott & Felix Watson
Saturday, August 21, 2021
Reunited with Uncle Bill in heaven... Rest In Peace Aunt Betty!
Paula Siebenmorgen
Saturday, August 21, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. May God keep a guiding hand on you through your sorrow.
Tammy L Center
Saturday, August 21, 2021
So sorry for your loss! Sending prayers your way!!
Neal and Tammy Wade
Saturday, August 21, 2021
Thoughts and prayers, Bill and Betty are longtime Family friends.
Tammy and Neal Wade
Janet Ehren Gathright
Saturday, August 21, 2021
Even though I never knew Betty personally, I know the Pugh family has been in Paris a long time and I see that she taught school and vacation Bible School... 29 years at the Paris middle school. I'm appreciative of her service and for her active faith and service at First Baptist Church. I'm so sorry for your loss... 74 is still young. God bless you with comfort and a beautiful celebration of Betty's life and legacy.
Laura
Saturday, August 21, 2021
So sad to hear your gone. I always loved having you for a teacher. You will be missed by many â¤ï¸
Ricky White
Saturday, August 21, 2021
Heaven gained a good one. Her and Bill were great neighbors. Our prayers go out for Robert, Beth & Alan and their families.
Sandra Patterson Slosser
Saturday, August 21, 2021
Great memories of times spent together when we came over to visit Granny & Papa Patterson. Betty & I had a lot of fun together.
Stanley king
Saturday, August 21, 2021
She was a great teacher sorry for your loss
Kevin Milligan
Friday, August 20, 2021
So sorry for y’all’s loss, she was a very great person.
Chris & Karen Rogers
Friday, August 20, 2021
Melissa Pugh and Family,
So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
Shannon Morris Still
Friday, August 20, 2021
Alan, Robert, and Beth,
My heart breaks for your family. I pray God will give you comfort and peace as you walk through the loss of your mom.
She was always kind to us noisy kids.
Shannon
June Gilbreath
Friday, August 20, 2021
So sorry to hear of Betty passing. Loved Betty Pugh. Loved to call her my friend and loved her as a teammate teaching middle school. A wonderful sweet friend. I was truly Blessed to work with Betty and call her my friend.
Marcia Schluterman
Friday, August 20, 2021
So sorry for your loss. She was one sweet lady! Thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort for all the family.
Alice Wewers
Friday, August 20, 2021
Betty was such fun to work with at PES. Always brought laughter!! She would brighten our day with that smile of hers. She will be missed dearly!!!
Rhonda Jackson Johnson
Friday, August 20, 2021
Praying for the family.
Deb Pugh Tolbert & Steve Tolbert
Friday, August 20, 2021
Sending our condolences and much love to your family. She will be missed by so many who loved her dearly. I love you !!!
Millissia Jones
Friday, August 20, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Betty's death! Prayers and hugs for her family. Lots of good memories of her in school and being such a good neighbor!
Barbara Moore
Friday, August 20, 2021
Prayers and condolences to the family. Betty was a wonderful person and loved by her students and coworkers. She will be missed but not forgotten.
Marlana Cameron Ivy
Friday, August 20, 2021
May you Rest In Peace Mrs. Pugh. Thank you for being a great teacher.
Arlene Thomas
Friday, August 20, 2021
Betty and I were 1964 Plainview-Rover graduates. We had a small class and were family. Betty was a leader, smart and friends to many. I know the last few years have been difficult for you. I sure will miss you Betty!
Asking God to give peace and comfort to her sweet family. âœï¸
Jordanne Berry Garlin
Friday, August 20, 2021
Mrs. Pugh was my teacher in middle school. She was VERY strict but fair. I remember one day I had come in to tell her about a dream I had, had about her. In the dream her hair was heavily streaked with silver. (She had not started to grey much at this time.) She said "that wasn't a dream, that was a nightmare!" and laughed. It was hard to make her laugh in class but I sure did that day.
I didn't see her much after she was my teacher but I remember the last time I had seen her, her hair looked like it did in my dream back in 6th grade.
So sorry for your loss of this amazingly strong woman!
Amanda Hamilton
Friday, August 20, 2021
Mrs. Pugh was my school teacher. She was a great teacher and cared about the kids in her class and their education. She will be missed. Prayers for the family during this difficult time.