Martha Jane Pugsley

Martha Jane Pugsley was born one week late on June 2, 2016, and died decades too soon following a brief illness on August 13, 2024.
When Martha was born, her parents, Jacob and Anna Pugsley, were immediately smitten, and her older brothers, Daniel and Jonathan, doted on her. Two years later her little buddy, William, joined her family. Martha was a beautiful baby who blossomed into a beautiful girl, with her round rosy cheeks, big blue eyes, and bright smile. She hated to be called "cute," but we thought she was incredibly cute.
Martha squeezed a big life into her eight short years. She was looking forward to starting third grade at Bonneville Elementary. A talented musician, Martha played the violin and joyfully belted out songs with her strong, clear voice (she knew all the words). She enjoyed art and all sorts of crafts. She danced at Tanner Dance, played soccer, and took classes at The Little Gym. She loved going to Costco with her dad and on neighborhood walks with her family.
Martha had a vibrant, outsized personality. She was curious and inquisitive and sometimes stumped us with her questions and agile mind. Martha was feisty – but she had to be, to stand up for herself against numerically superior fraternal forces. She was not shy about declaring what she liked (unicorns, Taylor Swift) and disliked (yogurt). Martha was fun and playful, with a mischievous streak and a gleeful laugh. Martha loved anything sparkly, and she never missed an opportunity to compliment others on their jewelry. Whenever she saw a dog – even those which others might consider ugly or dangerous – she would call out, "Cute dog!" Able to strike up a conversation with people of any age, Martha made friends everywhere. She enjoyed thoughtfully picking out great gifts for loved ones. Martha often expressed her love for her family with effusive hugs and kisses.
Words cannot express how devastated we are that someone so full of life could have left this life. We are heartbroken without her and so sad we will not get to see all she could have grown up to do, but we are very thankful for every moment we spent with our sweet Martha. We cling to our faith that we will be reunited with her someday, and that our family will be together again.
Many people love Martha dearly and miss her desperately: her parents, Jacob and Anna Pugsley; her brothers, Daniel, Jonathan, and William Pugsley; her grandparents, Scott Pugsley, Mary Ellen Hintze Pugsley, and Phil and Janet Dittmer; numerous devoted aunts, uncles, and cousins; and countless friends, teachers, classmates, and not-cute dogs. Martha was preceded in death by her aunt Karen Pugsley.
Friends may call to visit with the family on Sunday, August 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 E. 1300 S., Salt Lake City. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 19, at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2215 E. Roosevelt Ave., Salt Lake City, with interment to follow at Larkin Sunset Lawn. Instead of wearing black, you may honor Martha by wearing bright colors and your favorite jewelry. Martha would like you to make a new friend, give a compliment, sing with abandon, and create something beautiful. Please give your children extra hugs and kisses and tell them how much you love them.
For those unable to attend, the services will be streamed via Zoom. Please click on the "Watch Services" link above.