Arthur Daniel Pugh, 98, passed peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2025.
Arthur was born December 16, 1926, to Lewis and Sclenia (Peters) Pugh, and he often spoke with pride of his Welsh heritage. Art was united in marriage to E. Ann (Zaruba) Pugh in Kahoka, Missouri, and together they welcomed three children: Terry (Janice) Pugh, Sheila (Craig) Helmick, and Patsy (Bobby) Taylor.
He was a devoted grandfather to Troy and Tara Pugh, Augusta and Nate Boulton, and Jesse and Samantha Taylor. His joy only grew with the arrival of his ten great-grandchildren: Mariah, Kendal, and Owen Pugh; Taylor, Victoria, Madeleine, and Cael Howell; Gwyneth and Alys Boulton; and Brendyn Taylor.
Arthur, better known as Art, was an 85-year member of the United Presbyterian Church, over 70-year member of the American Legion, and Columbus City Masonic Lodge #107. Art proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserve. A lifelong resident of Columbus City, he worked at multiple General Motors car dealerships where he built many lasting friendships, and he also served his community for many years as a city council member.
Art was an avid traveler with Ann, and together they cherished adventures both near and far. On weekends, they could often be found enjoying block parties with neighbors or boating on the river. He loved watching nearly any sport, listening to what he fondly called “Country & Western” music, and most of all, supporting his children and grandchildren. He beamed with pride at every livestock show, musical performance, or athletic event they took part in. In later years, he continued to enjoy outings with assistance, and at home could often be found watching reruns of Gunsmoke and indulging in anything chocolate.
Art’s steady presence, kind spirit, and deep love for his family will be forever remembered.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Sclenia Pugh; his wife, Ann; daughter, Sheila Helmick; brother and sister-in-law, Dick and Sally Pugh; sister and brother-in-law, Marian and Clem Cecil; brother and sister-in-law, Lee, Mike, and Jeanie Zaruba; sister-in-law, Dottie Pugh; and brother-in-law, Rex Shafer.
He is survived by his children, Terry (Janice) Pugh and Patsy (Bobby) Taylor; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; his brother, Jack Pugh; his sister, Doris Shafer; sister-in-law, Roberta Zaruba; and many nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.
Visitation for Art will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the United Presbyterian Church in Columbus Junction. A Masonic Service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with funeral services to follow. Following the services, committal with Military Rites will be held at the Columbus City Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life at the American Legion in Columbus Junction. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left in Art’s honor for the following: Columbus Junction Fire Department, Columbus Junction Ambulance/First Responders, Louisa County 4-H or the United Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com. Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Columbus Junction is caring for Art’s arrangements.
Born February 22, 1931, in Shelbina, MO, she was the daughter of Charley Lee and Florence Luvada Kipper Robinson.
After attending Burlington High School, Betty took classes at the Burlington Business College.
She worked as a locksmith at Shorty Gamble Gun Store for many years and later at the Burlington Northern Railroad shops.
Betty was a member of Union Baptist FGF Church.
She was known for her personal style. She wore beautiful rings, and was always dressed in the latest fashions. She could be seen driving around town in one of her “fancy” cars, such as her Chrysler Imperial or one of her Cadillacs and she loved shopping at Schramm’s Department store. She was a strong willed woman who loved to dance, play the piano, and be called “Nannie” by her grandchildren.
Survivors include her son, Lyle A. Robinson of Waterloo, IA; daughter, Linda Joan Robinson of Burlington; two brothers, Thomas Henry Robinson and Ray Luther Robinson both of Burlington; five grandchildren, Harriet, Lyle T., Lyle R., Lynet Chel’Lease, and Joey; and ten great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Charles L. and Roy Robinson; sisters, Ruby Greenup and Velma Smith; and aunt, Lula Mae.
Family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The funeral service for Betty J. McCruter will be 11:00 AM Saturday, September 13, 2025, 3940 Division Street with Pastors Marcus Timmons and Tim Redd officiating. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held at Union Baptist FGF Church following the burial.
A memorial has been established.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Born November 20, 1955, in Burlington, he was the son of Clarence and Delores Werner Pepmeyer. On August 5, 1978 he married Mary Howie in Burlington. They later divorced after 34 years of marriage.
Ronald graduated from Burlington High School. He went on to attend Southeastern Community College where he earned his Associates of Applied Science degree.
Ronald worked as a project manager, estimator, and construction manager.
Ronald was always working on projects. When it was time to unwind, Ronald would hop on his Harley Davidson with blues music pouring from his speakers. Weekends were made for sports and cars. If there was a NASCAR race on, he was tuned in and he loved attending car shows. He was a die-hard fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bulls, and Bears, and he was an avid fan of Iowa Hawkeye football and more recently the women’s basketball team. But above all, Ronald treasured the time spent with his family at cabin or on the river.
Survivors include his two daughters, Amanda (Casey) Smith of De Witt, IA, and Michelle Pepmeyer of Burlington; one son, Ron J. (Molly) Pepmeyer of Tiffin; and five grandchildren, Collin, Layla, Cecilia, Carter, and Addy.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Diana and Nancy.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
The Graveside Committal Service for Mr. Pepmeyer will be 2:00 PM Friday, September 12, 2025, at Aspen Grove Cemetery. The celebration of life will be held at a later time.
A memorial has been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Ronald’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
Shirley was born April 24, 1935 in LaHarpe, the daughter of Otis and Wanda (Lorton) Mills. She grew up in LaHarpe and was a 1953 graduate of LaHarpe High School. Following high school, she attended Burlington Beauty Academy. On May 12, 1956, she married Donald W. “Salty” Freeman at the Mount Pleasant Church, near Bentley, Illinois.
Earlier in life, Shirley worked as a beautician before staying home to raise her family. Later, she was a caregiver for many family and friends. She also owned and operated Freeman’s Greenhouse in LaHarpe for 29 years. Shirley enjoyed collecting and refinishing antiques, gardening, canning and cooking. She was a member of the LaHarpe Christian Church. She enjoyed staying busy and will be remembered as a hard working woman.
Survivors include her husband of 69 years, Salty, one son: Tony (Kelly) Freeman of Carthage, Illinois: two daughters: Julie (Larry) Comstock of Stronghurst, Illinois and Cara (Kelly) Baker of Sciota, Illinois; seven grandchildren: Kourtney (Luke) Burling, Kylee Freeman, Tanner Freeman, Lathan (Silas Underwood) Comstock, Jostan (Ashley) Comstock, Mariah (Eric) Huston and Jansen (Jennifer Fredrick) Baker; ten great-grandchildren: Annie, Brooks, Ry, Ronnie, Zoiee, Lynnliee, Noah, Norah, Miller and Hudson.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters in infancy, Patsy and Judy.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe, Illinois.
Following the visitation, graveside services for Shirley will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday at LaHarpe Cemetery with Rex Huston and Bill Myers officiating.
A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe Fire Department or Wesley Village (Pearson South).
To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Shirley’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
