Ruth Lynn Armstrong

Ruth Lynn Armstrong, of Kosse, ended her earthly struggles on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 and went home to be with her Lord, at age 84.

Visitation will be held at the Central Baptist Church on Sunday, February 23, from 2:00-3:00 P.M.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 at Central Baptist Church of Thornton on Sunday, with Reverends Daryl Hatley and Tracy Sims officiating and Brandan Verm assisting.  Music will be provided by her sister, Cora Lea Burns and Kelley Young, pianists, and vocalists, Wendi Wilson and daughter-in-law, Margare’y Armstrong.    Burial will follow in Kosse City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Joel Armstrong, Lee Armstrong, Felipe Valdez, Brian Stewart, Steven Wells, and Jeremy Burton.  Honorary pallbearers will be the Kosse Volunteer Fire Department, City of Kosse Police Department, B. J. Bryant, and Jared Eno.

Ruth Lynn was born January 20, 1936 to Cecil Joel Harper and Cora Lea Jenkins Harper in Austin.    Since her father was a preacher, she grew up in several different towns, mostly in South Texas, and graduated from Calallen High School, where she played volleyball and basketball and was elected “Most Beautiful”.   She always liked reading and was good in history and math.  But “sports” was her real interest, and she always knew she wanted to teach and coach.

Ruth Lynn was united in marriage with Edward Lee “Eddie” Armstrong on August 1, 1955 in the Calallen Baptist Church.   While they lived in Corpus Christi and she was raising her two children, Ruth Lynn also graduated from the University of Corpus Christi, majoring in physical education and minoring in English.   She taught and coached in the school districts of Aransas Pass and Gregory-Portland.  

Ruth Lynn and Eddie moved to Portland, where they raised their children.  In 1974 they moved to Bremond and built a home in the country.   Ruth Lynn retired from teaching and helped her husband build houses in Kosse.   They also traveled to many locations building churches with Baptist Retirees, including several trips to Washington and Alaska.   In their spare time in Alaska with their good friends Daryl and Ann Hatley they went fishing and moose hunting.   Eddie always said she was the best finish carpenter he could have had because she was so “close to the ground” in her height.   She always had her Dr. Pepper with her while she was working.

Ruth Lynn was active in the music at church, playing the piano and organ and singing, including singing special selections.   She also played and sang when called upon for funeral services.   She started teaching Vacation Bible School at age 13, and taught Sunday School classes from the little kids to big kids to the older folks she called her “Youth Group.”  She was very active in WMU and GAs.

Ruth Lynn and Edward were big Baylor sports fans and season ticket holders, until he passed away.   Ruth Lynn volunteered in both Groesbeck nursing homes beginning when her Mom was a patient.    Most every day, she would bring patients out of their rooms to participate in activities.  She could gather up more patients to attend church services and activities than anyone.   She was a very pleasant and personable lady.   Ruth Lynn even found time to “volunteer” her services to help her son-in-law, Lew in the Henderson Flower Shop.

Did we mention she loved Dr. Pepper?   As she slowed down in activity, she continued to love reading, crossword puzzles and game shows on TV.  She loved her church, Baylor sports, and Dr. Pepper, and especially, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

Ruth Lynn was preceded in death by her parents; brother, James Edward Harper; brother-in-law, Homer Armstrong; niece, D’Anne Burns; and her husband, Edward “Eddie” Armstrong on October 1, 2015.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Lynnard “Shorty” and Margare’y Armstrong of Kosse; daughter and son-in-law, Sharree Jo and Lew Stewart of Groesbeck; five grandchildren and spouses:  Joel and Crystal Armstrong of Temple, Lee and Sally Armstrong of Belton, Margare’y and Felipe Valdez of Lake Jackson, Brian and Shauna Stewart of Groesbeck, and Jeremy and Jennifer Burton of Indianapolis, Indiana.   Her nine great grandchildren are: Jenna and Abigail Armstrong, Grayson Armstrong, Maia Valdez, Evan, Amelia and Isaac Burton, and Audrey and Katie Stewart.  She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Cora Lea and Keith Burns; sisters-in-law, Joan Harper and Nannette Armstrong; and nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and caretakers at Groesbeck LTC.  A special thanks to Stanley Gibson who took care of both Ruth Lynn and Eddie.   Ruth Lynn always lit up with a smile when Stanley walked in the room, when no one else could get her to smile.

A special thank you to Providence Hospice nurses and caretakers and volunteers for your time and the care you gave.

To Ruth Lynn’s loving dear friend, Sandra Bryant, thank you for your help, love, patience and care which you gave to her.  She loved you very much.

God has blessed this family with so many people who loved and blessed Ruth Lynn and Eddie.   Thank you to each and every one.