Lydia Ella Oates

Lydia Ella Oates, a devoted wife, Mother and Grandmother , peacefully passed away on Feb 16, 2026, surrounded by family, She was 91 beautiful years old. She was born on June 22, 1934, in Strange Creek, West Virginia to Gus and Zannie Carter. She was the 8th of 10 children.

Lydia married Harold Pugh, of Hacker Valley, WV on November 17, 1951. They had 3 children, and made their home in North Ridgeville, OH, until Harold passed away from Cancer, in 1964.

Lydia remarried on October 21, 1969, to Donald Oates. They were married 56 years, and resided in Elyria, Ohio and retired in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Lydia instilled in her family strong morals and values, great work ethics, and a strong love and faith in God. She was a woman of prayer and she led by example.

Lydia loved her church, and taught the adult Sunday school class for several years. She also did volunteer work at Faith Mission’s Food Pantry.

Lydia enjoyed reading, and having her family over to play Scrabble, Dominoes, and Cards. She made sure that everyone knew there was “An eye in the sky” watching over the game, so there was no cheating at her table.

Lydia is survived by her son Donald Pugh and wife, Dora, daughter Judy Witucki and husband Bill, son Scott Pugh and wife Lori. 7 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren.

Lydia is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Oates, her parents, Gus and Zannie Carter, Grandson Kevin Pugh, 5 sisters, 3 brothers, and her first husband, and father of her children, Harold Pugh.

We would like to thank the staff at Solaris Hospice, of Wichita, Falls, Texas and Covenant Hospice, of Knoxville, TN, for caring for our mother with such care and compassion.

A visitation will be held at Dutton Funeral Home, located at 300 E Cash St, Iowa Park, Texas, in the Chapel. The visitation is scheduled for February 24, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at the same venue, Dutton Funeral Home Chapel, on February 25, 2026, starting at 10:00 am.

Lydia Ella Oates will be laid to rest at Highland Cemetery, situated at 826 Rogers Rd, Iowa Park, Texas.