Helen Ruth was born on October 21,1937 in Dublin, TX about one block from the Dr. Pepper plant. This could explain her lifelong love for Dr. Pepper! She was the only child born to her parents, C.H. Flowers and Frankye Ben Wilson. Growing up during the depression and World War II, she learned at an early age how to cook, sew, and how to sing in the church choir. Helen graduated from Eastland High School in 1955 as the Valedictorian of her class.
She went to TCU to pursue her B.S degree in Home Economics and graduated in 1959. While she was in college, she continued to play the clarinet in the marching band. She had the good fortune to march and play in three Cotton Bowl Parades and halftime shows due to the success of the football team while she was there. She continued to support the TCU football team every weekend in the fall for the rest of her life.
Her first job out of college was to work as a Home Demonstration Agent for Hamilton County. Here is where she met the love of her life Donald Durwood Pugh. They married on December 23,1961, and moved to Stephenville where she became the Home Demonstration Agent for Erath County and worked on many government projects including consulting with NASA on the food program.
Helen and Don later moved to Arlington where they had a baby girl, Vicki Ruth and Helen enjoyed her new role as Mother. When Vicki grew older, Helen became a Substitute Teacher at Sam Houston High School for many years. Here she entertained her students with stories and encouraged their education and development. In addition, she served many roles in the PTA, band parent, and surrogate mother to many of Vicki’s friends. She also catered weddings and worked various retail jobs throughout the remaining years in Arlington.
In 2000, Helen and Don retired to Hamilton to escape the busy life of the Metroplex. Here she pursued her love for dolls, sewing, cooking and making quilts. She was a member of the Hamilton Women’s Council, Maude Shockley Art Club, and a member of First United Methodist Church. She spent the last few months of her life at Focused Life Nursing Home fighting the battle with Alzheimer’s. Survivors include her husband Donald Pugh, and daughter Vicki Lynch. Helen will truly be missed!
