Nelma R. Pugh, age 99 passed away December 31,2023 at Kinship Pointe in McCook, NE.

Nelma was born on March 12, 1924, in Hamlet, NE, to parents Vincent and Rose (Osmera) Smoots. She grew up in Hamlet where she graduated from high school in 1942. She married Dale A Pugh in Trenton on May 16, 1942. Together, they were blessed with two daughters: Carol and Lynda.

Nelma was skilled in crochet and quilting blankets, especially for her grandkids. She enjoyed craft projects in her free time, was an excellent cook, and the best pie baker around. Nelma never missed the chance to play cards with her close friends. She was a member of the Palisade United Methodist Church.

Nelma is proceeded in death by her parents, husband, and two brothers, Billy Smoots and Jimmy Smoots.

Those left to celebrate her life are her daughters, Carol (Edward) Phillips of Lakewood, CO, and Lynda (Larry) Tincher of Broken Bow, NE; grandchildren, Dennis (Traci) Phillips of Fruita, CO, Kathy (Manuel) Chavira of Lakewood, CO, Scott (Stacy) Tincher of Loup City, NE, and Christy (Matt) Firestone of Lincoln, NE; 11 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; and numerous extended family.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 5, 2024, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with family greeting friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Palisade United Methodist Church in Palisade with Rev. Peter M’Tuamwari and Pastor Priscailla Kaimath officiating.  A burial will follow in the Palisade cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Palisade United Methodist Church 103 N Powell St Palisade, NE 69040 or the Palisade Veteran’s Wall Memorial P.O. Box 281 Palisade, NE 69040.