Darlys “Dottie” Pugh

Darlys “Dottie” Pugh

Columbus Junction

Darlys “Dottie” Pugh, 91 of Columbus Junction, passed away on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the United Presbyterian Church in Columbus Junction. A private ceremony will follow at a later date at the Columbus City Cemetery. She has donated her body to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program. Memorials may be left to the United Presbyterian Church of Columbus Junction in memory of Dottie.

Darlys Joanne Torrance was born November 13, 1932, the daughter of Carl and Ruby (Graves) Torrance in Sciota, Illinois. On December 3, 1955, she married John Lewis “Jack” Pugh in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Over the years she was employed at Mt. Pleasant Bank, CJ Lumber Yard, Columbus Junction State Bank, True Value Hardware and Mary’s Country Gifts of Columbus Junction, and retired from Iowa Southern Utilities/Alliant Energy. She was an active member of the Columbus Junction United Presbyterian Church for over 60 years, teaching Sunday school for a number of years, a 50-year member of The Order of the Eastern Star, and a 40-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was active in Cub Scouts with all three sons, and she enjoyed many years of babysitting for several area children. Dottie was a very accomplished seamstress, making many prom and bridesmaid dresses. She loved to bake, and especially baking for friends, neighbors, and family, but her greatest joy was spending time with all of her family.

Dottie is survived by her husband Jack, sons Doug (Sonya), Lanny (Deb), Monte (Tammi), all of Columbus Junction; 9 grandchildren, Amy Unger (Michael), Randy Pugh (Krista), Tessa Pugh, Zack Pugh (Nancy), Seth Pugh (Becca), Joshua Awe (Jamie), Travis Awe (Christine), Kalena Churchwell (Jason), and Eric Pugh (Ashley); 13 great-grandchildren, Allison Chudovan (Jake), Riley Moose, Emily Moose, Hayden Pugh, Presley Pugh, Obree Tribal, Sterling Pugh, Dylan Pugh-Staats (Josie), Karson Churchwell, Kylie Churchwell, Lilly Pugh, Brynlee Pugh and Opal Pugh, and 1 great-great-grandson, Benton Pugh-Staats. She is also survived by her brother, Wendell Ardene Torrance of Burlington, and many nieces and nephews.

Dottie was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Ramona Matthews, brother, Duane Torrance, and grandson, J.D. Pugh.