Mary Odell (Hill) Pugh was born in Mississippi on Nov. 29, 1922 to Elbert and Mary Lillian (Watson) Hill.
Odell lived in Dyersburg, Tenn., where she married Hubert “Coon” Pugh on May 9, 1942. Her first two sons, James and Bob, were born in Tennessee. Coon, Odell and boys moved to Oregon where Coon pursued a career in the logging industry. Roy and Rob were added to the family during their time in North Bend. Coon and Odell moved their family to Oakridge, Ore., in 1959. Their fifth son, Dan, was born in 1962 which completed the family. Coon worked for Pope and Talbot sawmill until his retirement. Odell worked at The Sportsman Restaurant and Jamerson Restaurant which was later renamed Binks Restaurant until her retirement. They enjoyed going out dancing at the Moose, camping and fishing and spending time with grandkids.
Coon and Odell were separated after 52 years of marriage by his death on June 29, 1994. Odell was also preceded in death by her parents, three younger siblings, and her sons James and Dan.
Odell died on Oct. 7 at 5:55 p.m. at the age of 97 leaving, behind sons and daughters-in-law, Bob and Marie Pugh, Roy and Sharry Pugh, Rob and Debbie Pugh, daughter-in-law, Nancy Pugh (Dan’s wife), many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She slipped away very gently surrounded by her three living sons and their wives.
She enjoyed life to the fullest, dancing into her 90s, playing bingo, visiting with family and friends, and loving her grandbabies. Her sons would laugh and say she was a tough lady because she raised five boys. She leaves a large hole in our family and she will be missed terribly!
We are very grateful to Marquis of Springfield and Cascade Hospice for all the quality care, love and support they gave to Odell and the Pugh family. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Any remembrances for Odell can be given to Marquis or Cascade Hospice so they can bless many families to come.
At this time there is no plan for a memorial. The family will be planning a summer BBQ at Odell Lake.
Services are in care of Major Family Funeral Home in Springfield. Visit majorfamilyfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest book.
