Dena Pugh

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Dena Ruth Pugh, age 81, departed this life peacefully at her home in Anderson, Missouri, on Thursday afternoon, March 20, 2025, following a brief illness. She entered this life on July 10, 1943, in Anderson, Missouri, daughter of the late Thomas and Ada (Stamps) Cunningham.

Dena's early years were marked by a move to Carthage, Missouri, at the tender age of 13 after the loss of her mother. It was there that she attended and graduated from Carthage High School.

 

Dena worked as a cook for the McDonald County School District for a number of years. Dena was deeply committed to her spiritual calling. As a licensed ordained minister, she served the McDonald County Jail ministry with devotion, bringing hope and light to those in need of guidance. Her faith was an integral part of who she was, and was a member of the Donivan Holiness Church. Dena's love for the Lord was evident in her daily life, especially in her passion for reading her Bible and living out its teachings.

Dena's interests extended to the care and love she had for animals, particularly her two beloved dogs, TuTu and Trixie. They were not just pets but companions that brought her immense joy and comfort. Her nurturing spirit was as evident in her care for her animals as it was in every other facet of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Bryan, Guy, Terry and Gordon Cunningham; and a sister Beverly Cunningham.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Pugh whom she married on February 13, 1986; one son, Jeffery Mallory and wife, Paula; one granddaughter; two brothers, Randy Christian and Rick Usery; two sisters, Rayna Parsons and Linda Greer; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Homes with Oscar Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at New Bethel Cemetery in Anderson, Missouri. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Mike Sherman, Hurley Browning, Hugh Reed, Rex Cunningham, Sr., Rex Cunningham, Jr. and Justin Cunningham with Curtis Martin serving as honorary. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Memorials are being directed to New Bethel Cemetery Care Fund c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.