Lucille Pugh

Lucille Emma Stephens Pugh died July 3, 2017 in her home. She was born in Montpelier, Idaho to Bert and Vivian Stephens on Sept. 19, 1919.  Lucille married Eugene Pugh on April 4, 1950, and she called him the love of her life.  Eugene died in March of 1988

Lucille earned a Bachelor’s degree from Utah State University and a Master’s degree from Portland State University. Lucille worked as a social worker in Bear Lake County, Idaho; Blackfoot, Idaho; Fairbanks, Alaska; and ended her career as a social worker in the state of Oregon.  Lucille was well known in the world of the Social Services departments in Oregon.  After she retired in 1988, she continued working as a volunteer on many councils and committees, and she worked tirelessly to improve the rights for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, well into her nineties.

Because of her dedication to helping others, Lucille earned several awards. In 2002, the Governor’s Commission on Senior Services awarded Lucille the Bob Van Houte Achievement Award which is the highest honor an Oregon advocate can receive.

2004 brought Lucille the honor of receiving the O4AD Jim McConnell Long Term Care Award .

In 2006, the MetLife Foundation awarded Lucille the Older Volunteers Enrich America Award .  This award was given to 25 senior citizens (out of over 200 applications) across America for their dedication in volunteering in their communities.

Also in 2006, the state of Oregon created an award in Lucille’s name: the O4AD Lucille Pugh Award .  Lucille had the opportunity to present the first annual Lucille Pugh Award to Senator Gordon Smith. At the time this award was established, it was said of Lucille by one of her coworkers: “Lucille Pugh, who we consider to be an Oregon treasure, is deserving of having an award named after her…”  There is also a conference room named after Lucille in one of the Oregon State buildings.

Lucille was also very active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   She served in many leadership and volunteer organizations in the church and was very dedicated to helping women and families with needs.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 15 ^th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Lucille will be buried July 24th in Montpelier, Idaho next to her husband and her parents.  She was preceded in death by her sisters Thelma Bishopp and Ramona Michaelson, and her brother Allen Stephens.