Shirley Ann Prugh, 99, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at her apartment at Traditions of Hanover in Bethlehem. Born December 19, 1925 in Easton, PA, she was the daughter of the late C. Stewart Hedden and Mabel H. (Hoadley) Dutt. She was a graduate of Wilson High School, Class of 1944 and after high school she was a World War II volunteer at Ingersoll Rand- who contributed to the war effort by producing equipment for the military and allied nations. Shirley then went to work for the Boys Scouts of America and later became a telephone switchboard operator. In the 1960s and early 1970s, she was the secretary at Calvary United Methodist Church in Easton before joining the Proofreading and Production team at the College Placement Council in Bethlehem in 1972 and staying 20 years until her retirement in 1992. Post retirement Shirley worked as a part-time secretary for several years at First Baptist Church in Bethlehem, where she was a member.
Shirley’s passions included cooking, baking, painting, sewing, watching her son play baseball and watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up. She was a dog lover and raised multiple dogs (Pug, Muffin & Buster) over the years. She loved making Christmas cookies with her grandkids and for several years, she enjoyed making beautiful wedding cakes.
Shirley is survived by her son: Gary and his wife Betty of Broomall, PA; daughter-in-law: Toni Prugh of Bethlehem; grandchildren: Jennifer Prugh Perez (Miguel) of Huntersville, NC, Robert Prugh (Joni) of Enterprise, AL, Alex Prugh of Washington, DC, Christopher Prugh of Media, PA; and great-grandchildren: Andrew, Ashlyn and Aidan Perez of Huntersville, NC and Carter and Grayson Prugh of Enterprise, AL. She was predeceased by her parents, her stepmother: Gladys Hedden (1995), her ex-husband: William H. Prugh, Sr, (1968), her son: William H. Prugh Jr. (1997), her great-grandchild: Jacob Perez (2006) and her brother: Stewart Hedden (2012).
A calling period will be held Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM followed by a short service at the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton Street, Easton, PA. Interment in Northampton Memorial Shrine. Memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or CHOP or the ASPCA. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
