Phyllis Maxine Pugh

A gentle soul, Phyllis Maxine (Bowman) Pugh, age 93, left this world on Friday, August 25, 2017, at Geisinger Home Health & Hospice At Maria Hall, Danville, having family by her side to wish her safe journey and to say goodbye.

Phyllis was born on January 26, 1924 in Bloomsburg, the daughter of the late Henry J. and Melva (Hippensteel) Bowman. Phyllis grew up on her parent's farm working alongside her family learning the values of family, hard work and honesty, a trait she carried with dignity her entire life. Phyllis shared that time with five brothers and three sisters, and held them dear to her the rest of her life.

She graduated from Orangeville High School in 1941, enjoying the challenges of math and had inspirations of becoming the first Bowman to attend college, but times were such that it was not possible to do so.

After graduation, she worked as a carpet weaver, and at various other jobs, and then met the love of her life, Doyle Pugh, just prior to the start of World War II. An unbreakable bond was formed between them, and it only seemed right that they marry on March 28, 1944, prior to Doyle's deployment to the Pacific front.  Upon Doyle's return, he began working for GLF-Agway and that took him to various locations in New York and Pennsylvania. During this time, they started their family of four children, Doris, Diane, Thomas and Tim, and finally settled in Millville.

M. S. cut Doyle's life short and he passed away on February  2, 1974. A day never went by that she did not think of him and the love they shared. Phyllis took over the role of both mother and father, raising their son Tim, never complaining or asking for anything. Her upbringing said "It's just what I am supposed to do".

Phyllis spent her later years traveling to visit and live with family in Alaska, Florida, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Washington. All knew that when Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune or the Pittsburgh Pirates came on TV, it took precedence over everything else. She loved bowling and was unbeatable up until a stroke  limited her abilities, but she remained connected to her bowling "buddies" for years.

She was involved with her church, Greenwood United Methodist, serving as treasurer for many years. She was a proud member of the Bloomsburg Fair Association, and was found every year working as a volunteer in the Arts and Crafts Building. All who knew Phyllis knew that she was always a phone call away if someone needed something.

In addition to her loving husband Doyle, Phyllis was preceded in death by five brothers: E. Dean, Doyle, Carroll, Glen and John Bowman and a sister, Helen Allbeck.

Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Doris Parrish, San Antonio, Florida and Diane, wife of Samuel Hill, Mt. Vernon, Washington; her sons, Thomas Pugh, wife Carolyn, Bloomsburg and Timothy Pugh, wife Melissa, Stayton, Oregon; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; two sisters: Margaret Lemons and Joyce Curfman; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, Phyllis be remembered with a contribution to Greenwood United Methodist Church, Old Greenwood Road, Millville, PA 17846 or to Geisinger Home Health  & Hospice, 410 Glen Ave., Suite 200, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the loving and kind care shown Phyllis by the staff of the Geisinger Home Health & Hospice and the residents of Maria Hall.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of the Dean W.  Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market Street, Bloomsburg.