Summary
Ella Louise (Wright) McDonald,87, passed away peacefully, on August 15th, 2025. She was born on April 2nd, 1938, and was the first of two children born to the late Charles and Ella Gibson Wright. She had one brother, Charles Mack Wright.
Known either as Ella, Eloise, Nana Sami, Yaya, or Mom- she was known for her big smile and giving heart. Ella graduated, with honors, both from Fayette High School and later in life, when she obtained her nursing degree. She finished her career as the On Campus Nurse, at Rose Hulman University, in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Ella enjoyed cooking and throwing parties for family and friends. She loved shopping and giving freely. She was also there to lend a hand wherever she saw need. Ella was a Sr. Girl Scout leader while living in Marissa, IL. Ella was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, number 44, while living in Newburgh, IN. She was well traveled. She was lucky as well, to have lived and loved in New Goshen & Terre Haute, Indiana, Marissa, Illinois, Cadiz, Kentucky, Newburgh, Indiana, Somerville, Florida, & Plainfield, Indiana. She had dear friends in all these places, that will treasure her memory.
She loved her family fiercely and fully. She left behind one daughter (caregiver) Jayleen Haymaker-Briggs and her devoted son-in-law Ron Briggs; three granddaughters: Haley Briggs Aus (Joel Aus), Ashley Briggs Monroe Cardoza, (Joe Cardoza ) and Emily Briggs Arnold, (Drew Arnold); as well as her absolute joys; her eight great grandchildren: Ella, Kara, Laila, Allison, (Haley’s); Norah, Briggs, (Ashley‘s ); and Claire, Rowen, (Emily‘s). She had one nephew which she also loved dearly, Jayson Wright. Ella also felt love & a kinship with our extended families, in New Hampshire. Ella was a Christian who was at peace with God; she often said that Jesus was her Lord & Savior.
Ella was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Charles Mack Wright.
She was also blessed to have had three wonderful husbands, John Haymaker, Harley McDonald, and of course, Samuel “Ray”mond Pugh.
Ella will be cremated, then laid to rest next to Ray Pugh, a World War II Hero, at the Florida National Cemetery, in Bushnell, Florida. There will be a private celebration of life to follow.
She was loved dearly & will be missed. We would like to express special thanks to the wonderful people at Miller’s in Mooresville, Indiana, as well as to the staff at PARADIGM Hospice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simple Cremation Indianapolis, located at 6904 S East St Suite E, Indianapolis, IN 46227. Condolences, for the family, may be left simplecremationindianapolis.com.
