Shirley Flossie Armstrong, 94, of Ottawa passed away Saturday, July 21 at the Mendota Lutheran Home.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday July 26 at Ottawa Funeral Home with Pastor Dave Yim officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 25, 4:00-7:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.
Shirley was born in Ottawa, Illinois to Frank and Martha (Hilpipre) Maynard. She married Benjamin F. Armstrong February 18, 1951 in Ottawa, Illinois; he passed away January 18, 2006.
She is survived by her children, Deborah Myer (Ray) Clausen of Ottawa, Mary Beth Armstrong of Chicago, John E. (Joan) Armstrong of Utica; her grandchildren, Heather (Tim) Griffith, Jami (Ryan) Muffler, Connor Armstrong; three great-grandchildren; her sister, Delores Rehor of Ottawa; and her niece, Sheryl Haskins of Ottawa.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her son-in-law, Michael Myer; two sisters; and one grandchild.
She graduated from Ottawa High School and was the display manager for Klines Department Store in Ottawa for over 10 years. She enjoyed caring for others, but her heart’s direction was caring for children. She worked as a nanny for 27 years and through the years babysat for over 80 children. She taught Sunday school for years at the Evangelical United Methodist Church.
An important part of her morning was watching the American flag being raised at the grade school across the street from her home. She was actively involved with the American Legion Post 33 Auxiliary for years until her time became directed at raising her children and others, but she continued her membership throughout her life.
She loved music, dancing, bingo, riding her bike and playing cards. She sang in the church choir for years. It was not uncommon to see her rise to the opportunity to sing or dance.
Pallbearers will be Connor Armstrong, Tim Griffith, Ryan Muffler, Grant Crockett, Brad Crockett and Cody Haskins.
Memorials may be directed to Labor of Love of Ottawa or the Evangelical United Methodist Church of Ottawa.
Shirley has been laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.