Beverly "Bev" Alice Pugh

Beverly “Bev” Alice Pugh (4/13/1936-7/27/2024)

As the sun was setting over beautiful Ottertail Lake with her 3 daughters by her side, Mom was called to her Heavenly Home on July 27th, 2024, to join her life partner and husband of 54 years John “Gene” Pugh. Mom’s moment of transition was filled with a beautiful sunset, a warm summer breeze, a gentle ripple on the lake in her lake home on Ottertail Lake. 

The Celebration of Life will be held at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Battle Lake, MN on July 31st, 2024. Visitation is from 1:00-2:00pm with the service following at 2:00pm. There will be a reception following. The Interment will be held Thursday, August 1st, 2024, at 11:00am at Holy Cross South Catholic Cemetery, Fargo. 

Mom was born In Sisseton, SD on April 13, 1936, the daughter of Harold Anderson and Catherine Buus. She graduated from Summit, SD high school in 1954. She was active in cheerleading but her most infamous feat was to outrun all the boys in her class including some state champions! Mom met Dad in high school and after high school Mom got a job with USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) in Milbank, SD in 1954. Mom and Dad were married in 1958 in Milbank SD and moved to the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for the US Army. They found their way back to the Midwest after several moves and eventually settled in Fargo for 25 years at Forrest River Drive on the Red River and raised their 3 daughters Cindy, Michelle and Lori and their family dog, Champer. Mom was employed with Western States Life Insurance as an actuarial assistant where she made lifelong friends. Mom also was the Secretary of Bruin Boosters for Fargo South High, where her daughters attended. Mom retired from Western States Life Insurance after a fun and fulfilling career. Upon retirement they moved full time to Ottertail Lake where they had spent many summers and they wintered in Lake Havasu, AZ and Englewood, FL.

After Dad’s passing in 2012 Mom was determined to stay in her Ottertail Lake home and she proudly kept up with the yardwork, home maintenance, gardening, finances and all necessary home ownership responsibilities.

Mom’s family was the most important aspect of her life, her 3 girls meant the world to her. She wasn’t only a Mom and Grandma, she was a friend, an advisor, a supporter and a great listener for her family. She truly was the rock of our family. Mom also had many interests including fishing, pontooning, hunting pheasants, golfing, bowling, yardwork (including operating her John Deere tractor mower until she was 85), gardening, crafting, cooking, baking, bird watching & yard games. Mom excelled in Jarts, Bocce, Croquet and Corn Hole. Mom was an avid animal and bird lover, feeding chipmucks, birds, squirrels and anything else than landed on her deck. Mom never missed a sporting or school event for her daughters and grandkids. Mom was an avid fan of the Vikings, Bison, Timberwolves, Twins and a little Fighting Sioux. Mom loved spending time with her grand animals and always gave them a special rub down. Other favorites for Mom include Wheel of Fortune, World News, shopping and Russel Stover Chocolates. Mom cherished her participation with the Ottertail walking group where she met several beautiful friends. 

Mom is survived by daughters Cindy Simmer of Fargo ND, Michelle Pugh (Kari Koznick) of Plymouth MN, and Lori (Dennis) Pugh-Erdle of Fargo ND; grandchildren Matt and Bobbi Simmer; Frank Simmer father of the grandchildren, step grandson, Max Erdle. 

Mom was preceded in death by her beloved husband John “Gene” Pugh, her parents and sister Corinne (Marlyn) Kuper.

The last year Mom faced many challenges and obstacles, and she always met them with a smile, positive attitude and her strong faith. Mom was one RESILIENT woman who definitely knew how to PERSEVERE! There were many supportive people who entered Mom’s life to help her through this journey. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Corina Narvaez Jacob (and staff), Perham Hospital, Perham Living, Knute Nelson (PT, OT, Home Health, Hospice), the passionate care givers at Home Instead & local first responders; all of who were part of “Team Bev”. Mom was blessed with many dear friends and Highland Loop neighbors who Mom considered part of her extended family. We want to say thanks to all of you. Love, Cindy, Michelle & Lori.

In lieu of flowers please contribute memorials to a charity of your choice.