Bette Louise Prugh

Bette Louise Prugh, 97, formerly of Elkhart, IN, died Wednesday, January 2, 2019, in Louisville, KY. She was born Bette Louise Mathis, February 10, 1921, in Elkhart, IN, to William Eugene and Fern Palmer Mathis. She was the third of five children. She graduated from Elkhart High School in 1939. On September 22, 1940, she married Carl Richard Prugh of Elkhart. Prior to his death in 2009, they celebrated 69 years of marriage. During the early years of her marriage, she worked as a sales associate for Sorg's Jewelers. After the births of her two daughters, she continued a successful career with Fine Arts Silver Co. as a part-time traveling saleswoman, traveling door-to-door in the evenings selling china and sterling silver. She earned multiple awards for high-sales records. In 1958, she accepted a Purchasing Assistant position with Nibco, Inc., where she retired after 25 years of service in 1983. In addition to caring for her family and working, Mrs. Prugh was active in both her church and community. She was a member of both Trinity United Methodist Church, and formerly Simpson United Methodist Church, where she served on and supported many committees. Both she and her husband tutored numerous children within the Elkhart Community school system. She also was an active member of The Four Arts Club and The Christian Women's Club. She served as secretary for the Elkhart High School Class of 1939 Alumni, coordinating multiple reunion events from 1969 until their final class reunion in 2004. Bette passionately enjoyed sewing, knitting, embroidery, calligraphy, bridge club, and growing African violets. She was a consummate baker and enjoyed perfecting recipes for her family and friends. Her creative talents were the impetus for her willingness to serve as Decorations Chairman when frequently asked. Her interest in genealogy inspired her to document family ancestral lines. Bette was a generous and outgoing person who was caring and supportive of others. She loved people and was known for her genuinely warm and hospitable nature. Her smile and laughter would light up a room and she was quick to embrace a stranger. Her energy and perseverance served to accomplish her life goals. She is survived by her two daughters Helen Ann (Dean) Nordman of Louisville, KY; and Jennifer (Michael) Salvador of Atlanta, GA. Mrs. Prugh leaves four grandchildren: Amy Lynne (Isaac) Porter of Baltimore, MD; Stacy Lynn (James) Beck of Atlanta, GA; Angela Marie (Mark) Youngman of Louisville, KY; and Stephen Michael (Beth Bodnar) Salvador of Baltimore, MD. Mrs. Prugh also leaves six great-grandchildren: Aubrey Youngman, Sarah Youngman, Colin Beck, Emma Beck, Isabelle Salvador and Charlotte Salvador. She was preceded in death by her older siblings; a brother, Paul Mathis, and a sister, Charlene Mathis Barber. She is survived by her younger siblings; Robertine Mathis (Richard) Vorwerk of Chattanooga, TN; and Dr. Darlene Mathis-Eddy of Elkhart, IN. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Monday, January 7th, 2019 at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home, Elkhart, IN. With a visitation one hour prior to service. Pastor Ronald Bowman will preside, and burial will follow at Rice Cemetery, at the Chapel of Peace Mausoleum. Memorials may be given to Elkhart Community Schools CARES Program. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Bette Louise Prugh please visit our Sympathy Store.

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