Betty Armstrong

BETTY JANE ARMSTRONG, 87, of Mattoon, IL formerly of Carthage, IL passed away at 3:25 P.M. on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at Mattoon Health Care Center, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Betty was born on December 9, 1926 in West Frankfort, IL. She was a daughter of W. Stanley and Ethel (Sides) Rains. She married J. Robert Armstrong on June 10, 1941 in Murphysboro, IL. He preceded her in death on March 5, 2012.

She is survived by her children, John R. Armstrong (Cheryl) of Mattoon, IL, Suzanne Armstrong Frice (Tim Hoschek) of Burlington, IA, Charles C. Armstrong of Mattoon, IL; three sisters, Dorothy Starkweather of Carrollton, IL, Nancy Durham of Chesterfield, MO, and Marilyn Coleman of Angola, IN; grandchildren, Dylan Bartels of Phoenix, AZ, Sara Armstrong of Folly Beach, SC, Eric Armstrong of Altamont, IL and Zachary Armstrong of Mattoon, IL.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a twin sister, a daughter, Jane C. Bartels and a son-in-law, James Bartels.

Betty graduated from West Frankfort High School. She attended the University of Illinois and was a member of the Tri Sigma Sorority. She began teaching in a one room schoolhouse in rural Carthage, IL. After raising her family she returned to teaching in Ferris, IL. Betty was member of the Carthage United Methodist Church. She enjoyed spending time at the family cabin at Midland Hills Country Club in Makanda, IL where she was also a member. She was a member of the Benevolence Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 1243 of Carbondale, IL and the Audubon Society. She was an accomplished Bridge player and astute bargain hunter. Betty will always be remembered as a loving, caring and giving person who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018