Linda Chris Pugh was born in Orange County, California on January 17, 1951 and began her journey towards everlasting life on August 9, 2021. Linda graduated from North High in Des Moines in 1970. As a teenager Linda was an excellent softball player who was fearless as a catcher.
She loved her family; mother Luella Kirkle; father Bob Pugh; stepfather Carlton Garver; sister Carla Garver (all predeceased); brother Rob Garver (Niki), niece Erin, nephews Reese and Jordan; youngest sister Carol Garver Smalley (Bill); and David Chasten whom Linda raised as her own son and loved very much, his wife Teri and son Peter. Linda is also survived by dear cousins, Pugh family relatives, beloved friend Cathy Babbit and so many cherished friends.
Linda had a generous heart and wonderful sense of humor. Family gatherings were filled with laughter and great memories. We all laughed each Christmas when Linda passed out her gift of carefully wrapped summer sausage to each of her siblings and Mom. It was hard to be surprised but everyone expected that log anyway. She was so fun, caring, and so loved.
Socially-aware and politically active, Linda was heartened by so many positive changes in her lifetime towards equality and justice for all. As her health and mobility declined over the years she battled devastating chronic pain and lost touch with some friends. If you were her friend please know she loved you so much and forever holds you in her heart. She often talked about the great parties at Jim and Barry’s and reminisced about dinners with dear friends.
To all the caregivers and medical professionals who comforted her pain and showed great compassion, she loved you. Eternal thanks to nurse Cindy. To Hospice of the Midwest, deepest gratitude.
A Celebration of Life will be held later, likely early November, depending on Covid safety. We will publish a newspaper notice prior to the celebration. Anyone wishing to be included in a group email notification when details are known later may email: robgarver1@gmail.com .
Memorial donations suggested to: One Iowa or Animal Lifeline of Iowa.
