Kathleen King Pugh

Kathleen King Pugh, 89, of Ashland, Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2026. She dedicated her life to her family, her passion for teaching, her church, her community, and her desire to help people. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, teacher, and friend, and she will be deeply missed.

Kathleen was born in Ashland, Virginia, on November 17, 1936, to William and Margaret (Saunders) King. She attended Misses Herndon's School (Grades 1-3) and Henry Clay School (Grades 4-5) in Ashland. She then attended Hospital School of Blue Ridge Sanatorium in Charlottesville (Grade 6) and Thomas Jefferson Junior High School in Arlington (Grade 7) before returning to Henry Clay School in Ashland through grade 12 and earning her diploma in June 1953. Kathleen later attended Flora MacDonald College (now St. Andrews University) and graduated (BS Math) in June 1959. Early in her teaching career Kathleen continued her education at The University of Virginia, attending summer sessions and earning an MS in Education in June 1972.

On June 1, 1959, the day of her graduation from Flora MacDonald, Kathleen married James C. Pugh in the campus chapel. The marriage continued for 63 years until his death in 2022.

Kathleen devoted her professional life to Education in the Hanover County Public School system, beginning in 1960 as a Guidance Counselor at Patrick Henry High School. In 1963 she began teaching Mathematics and continued in this role at Patrick Henry for 35½ years, earning the Teacher of the Year award in 1992. After her retirement in June 1996, Kathleen continued working part-time as a private tutor until 2018.

Kathleen was a lifelong member of The Ashland Presbyterian Church, where she was a loyal choir member and church supporter. She and husband Jim spent retirement years traveling (often with grandsons), managing rentals, and helping others wherever they saw a need. One was seldom seen without the other.

Kathleen is survived by her Daughter, Gwynn Hubbard (John),of Walkerton, Virginia; Son, James Pugh, of Charlottesville, Virginia; Grandson, Nathanael Hubbard (Melyssa) of Walkerton, Virginia; Grandson, Eli Hubbard (Lucky) of Richmond, Virginia; Great Grandson Hudson Hubbard of Walkerton, Virginia and Brother, Harold King, of Houston, Texas. She was preceded in death by her Husband, James C. Pugh; Father, William S. King; Mother, Margaret K. Hale; Brother, Carroll F. King and Sister, Judith K. Toller.

A celebration of Kathleen's life will be held on November 7, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 412 S. Washington Highway, Ashland, VA 23005.

In Lieu of flowers please consider donations to Ashland Presbyterian Church.