Yulanda ‘Kay’ (Hopper) Pugh was born July 10, 1951, in Stella, Missouri, to parents Leonard Hopper and Hazel (Tanner) Hopper. She passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at her residence in Neosho, Missouri, at the age of 75.

Kay dedicated her working life to nourishing young children as a lifelong food service worker for Head Start. She was a faithful member of 180 Church in Duenweg, Missouri, and centered her life around her relationship with Christ and her love for her family.

On May 7, 1999, Kay was united in marriage to Samuel Pugh in Miami, Oklahoma.

In addition to her husband, Samuel, she is survived by four children, Mike Dowell and wife Lori of St. Louis, Missouri, Brian Dowell and wife Kari of Joplin, Missouri, Rick Dowell of Joplin, Missouri, and Jenny Pugh of Joplin, Missouri; her twin sister, Fay Robertson and husband Joe; two brothers, Mike Hopper and Tim Hopper and wife Nancy; one sister, Nancy Hollingsworth and husband Steve; ten grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Hazel Hopper, and three siblings, Connie, Larry, and Gary.

A memorial service will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 180 Church, located at 7380 E 20th Street in Duenweg, Missouri.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, Missouri.