Melba Pugh

Melba June Pugh

January 3, 1931 to May 13, 2025

Melba lived from the Model T era to Space X! What a life!! She married George "Wayne" Pugh on April 9, 1949 after dating for four months. It only lasted 54 years.

Wayne and Melba had two children within one year in 1950. Jerry was born in January, and Brenda in December. They then moved to the big town of Peoria, IL, in 1951. Caterpillar lured them North with promises of work and steady wages. Melba looked so young, door-to-door salesmen would ask if her mother was home.

Their son, Randy came next in 1955. The only Yankee born in the family. Melba learned to drive a stick-shift, and went to night school to freshen up some secretarial skills, which landed her a 30 year career with the state of Illinois Highway Department. She worked as a basic clerk, then on up to Executive Secretary.

The years flew by. Arkansas called Melba and Wayne back home after retirement. First to Waldron, then to Fort Smith. Many family members have passed on over the years such as her parents Roscoe Gentry and Lima Gentry; siblings Doris Bottoms and I. Lee Gentry; nephews Michael Gentry, Gary Bottoms, and Larry Bottoms. Even her beloved Wayne and son Jerry.

Many joys were mixed into the years as well. Sweet granddaughter Lacey was born, and in time, Lacey married Georgi Hristov. Then came Julia, the precious great granddaughter in 2019. Better than Space X!!

Memories will sustain us. Sending our love to you, now and forever. Brenda and Tom Downs; daughter and son-in-law; Randy Pugh, son; Lacey and Georgi Hristov and Julia, granddaughter, grandson-in-law, and great granddaughter; Terry and Jenny Bottoms nephew and niece.

There will be a private service and burial, as Melba wished. If you choose to honor her memory, please make a donation to your local animal shelter. Thanks!

Special Thanks to the staff of Alma Health and Rehab for providing such loving care of Mother for many years, and to Arkansas Hospice as well.