Ida Jane "Jenne" (Eckler) Pugh

On Saturday, June 11th, 2022, Ida Jane Jenne Eckler Pugh died in her home of 20+ years in Philipsburg, MT.

Jenne was born in Marion, OH on the 25 of February in 1946. Married in 1966 to David Pugh, they lived a life with the National Park Service, moving 19 times in 35 years and enjoying such settings as Chiricahua National Monument, Yellowstone National Park, Katmai Alaska, and Southern Idaho among numerous others.

She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics after her first child, John, was born and her husband David had returned from Vietnam. The early years of their marriage consisted of “seasonal” jobs that took David and the family from one national treasure to the next. Their first permanent post was in Cape Hatteras, where their first daughter, Emily, was brought into the family. After moving to Yellowstone, their second daughter, Molly, was born.

Jenne was an avid reader, weaver, textile artist, and loyal friend. She contributed to the communities of which she was a part, serving as a reading aide at the girls’ elementary school, teaching classes in cooking and sewing for Petaluma, CA 4-H, and in her later years modeling effective weaving practices and serving as a Board Member for the Missoula Weavers Guild. She also held positions on the Granite County Medical Board and Granite County Library.

She was an active hiker and wildflower forager. She had a soft spot for dogs; their unconditional love was a constant in her life. She was both industrious and compassionate, finding ways to serve communities and help those less fortunate. Her thirst for knowledge of the natural world, conceptual mathematics, history, and many other subjects kept her engaged in learning far beyond the average person.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, David, her children and their families, her sister, and too many beloved cousins and friends to name. Her legacy of love and generosity will sustain all of us as we move forward and continue to celebrate the gift of her in our lives.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to:

- Missoula Weavers Guild - PO Box 454 Missoula, MT 59806

- Philipsburg Public Library - 106 W. Broadway St. Box 797 Philipsburg, MT 59858

- Everytown for Gun Safety - everytown.org