Nancy Pugh Rizor Knox

Born the youngest child of John McKinley Pugh and Ella May Utterback Pugh, Nancy grew up on the family dairy farm in Shedd, OR with brother Wesley Pugh and sister Phyllis Pugh Roberts Krefting. She graduated in a class of 17 from Shedd School then completed three years at Oregon State College where she caught the eye of George A. Rizor, Jr. She obtained her "Mrs." in Riverside Chapel in NYC on August 1951.

With George, a young Army officer, Nancy set up home making around the world, living in New Jersey, California, Oregon (son Allen born), Arizona (daughter Georgine born), Virginia, Germany, France, Kansas, then back to Virginia (daughters Gaylene and Gwendolyn born), Arizona and finally Camas,WA.

After George's death in May 1985, Nancy met Donn Knox on an airplane heading to Europe. They married October 1987 and settled in Shelton, WA where they enjoyed RV adventures with their cat, ski trips, fishing in Sitka, more European travels and family gatherings at their Pickering Passage beach home.

The Knox' were members of Shelton First Baptist church, volunteering on many mission trips as well as volunteering with Wycliff Bible Translators. Nancy volunteered locally with Care Net Pregnancy Center in Shelton for 17 years.

Nancy's joyful and fun-loving spirit prevailed throughout her lifetime. Even in her final years dealing with dementia, she loved to sing along to her favorite musicals or traditional hymns. Always accepting and sincere, her friendship was a blessing to many. She has longed to see Jesus for many years, so we know that she is more alive than ever and thrilled with her new home!

Nancy is survived by husband, Donn Knox, and daughters, Georgine (David) Parke, Gaylene (Mike) Smith, and Gwendolyn (Troy) Fullerton and grandchildren James, Adalynah, and Gracelyn Smith, and Faith and Shaynah Fullerton. She was preceded in death by her only son, G. Allen Rizor. In nearly 37 years of marriage to Donn, the Rizor and Knox clans have become an inseparable family. Nancy is also survived by cherished adult step-daughters Stephanie (Alfred) Nichols, Mary (William) Pomeroy, Susan Knox and their families.

A service to celebrate Nancy's vibrant life will be held September 14th, 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Shelton, 428 W. Cota St, Shelton WA 98584.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Care Net Pregnancy Center, 2233 Jefferson Street, Shelton, WA 98584.