Joanne Armstrong
March 22, 2012
Joanne Pauline Armstrong, 76 years old, passed away from a collapsed lung on March 22nd at Mercy Hospital in Ardmore, Oklahoma, surrounded by her family.
Joanne was born in Des Moines, Iowa on April 25, 1935, to Paul and Thelma Lawler. She was a 1954 graduate of East High School. She married Max D. Armstrong on July 23, 1955, and they cherished nearly 57 years of marriage. They spent their lives together in the Des Moines area, welcoming three children, five grandsons, and one great-grandson into this world. Joanne worked for Housby Mack Trucking in Des Moines for 18 years, and together with Max operated Whitey’s Transmission Service for 45 years.
Joanne was very involved in the American Legion, and served as President of the Lady’s Auxiliary for a number of years. After retiring, her and Max spent their winter months in Mathis, Texas, at the Wilderness Lake RV Park, where they met a number of wonderful friends. Joanne was involved in the Red Hat Society, and enjoyed playing cards and making crafts. However, what brought the most joy to her life was time with her family. She was a wonderful wife and mother and a loving and supportive grandmother.
Joanne is survived by her husband Max (Whitey), son DeWayne, daughter Paulette Doane, daughter Heather Bittner and her husband George, and grandsons Nicholas Armstrong, Andrew Armstrong, Jeff Doane, Austin Bittner, Brandon Bittner, and great-grandson Toby Doane, a sister Mary Morning; and a brother Richard Lawler. She was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Thelma Lawler, sister Beverly Breheny, and son-in-law Stan Doane.
Services for Joanne will be held at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines on Thursday, March 29, 2012, at noon. The family will welcome friends during a visitation on Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home. Interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
If friends and family would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in Joanne’s name to The Mercy House, 1708 Cherokee Place NW, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401, which provided housing for the family during Joanne’s time in the hospital.
Online condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jane Johnson
07/12/2012
Max and family:
It's Jane. I lived right next door. Marla's mom. I am so sorry to hear about Joanne's passing. I actually am shocked! I never knew she was ill, but then I guess I take a lot of things for granted still, especially health. I hadn't talked to Joanne in some time, but I want you to know that I am sorry to hear of Joanne passing and that you are in my thoughts.
Steve and Patty Burrows
03/28/2012
Paulette and family, wow where to begin...Joanne was an incredible person just like the rest of her family. The credit union suppers, SE Polk, growing up in our area, lots of wonderful memories!!! Mom mentioned the visits in Texas. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers...if you need us let us know!!!
Patty Burrows and family
Paulette/Pat Shannon
03/28/2012
So sorry to hear about Joanne - Remembering good times being neighbors many years ago - You all will be in our prayers.
Chris Polson-Garvey
03/28/2012
Paulette and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom spent one of her birthdays with Mike and I when we got married. Our anniversary is April 25th, so we always shared that date with your mom. I know why you have the personality that you have Paulette, you laugh just like your mom. She was a wonderful neighbor and friend for the past fifty years. She will be missed and never forgotten.
Love and God Bless,
Chris and Mike Garvey
Chris Russell
03/27/2012
I am so sorry for your loss Max! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of lost! It was such a pleasure to have been able to meet your wife Joanne , she was such a sweet person! Wilderness Lakes definitely will not be the same!
Your Propane guys in Mathis,Texas
Chris & Butch Russell
South Texas Propane
The Biedenfeld's
03/27/2012
Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family, Heather. Please allow the peace of our Lordship Jesus Christ to surround you all. Beth
Tracy Creason
03/27/2012
Paulette-
Sorry to hear about your mom. I know what you are going through and wanted to let you know I am thinking about you.
I hope your memories of her will help you get through this.
Make sure to take time for yourself.
Dawn Hyler
03/27/2012
Heather and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how important a mother is, she's your best friend and the one that is there for you always. May time heal your pain, and never forget all those wonderful memories. God Bless
Jenny
03/26/2012
What a lovely life story about your mom, Paulette. I didn't get to meet her but can only imagine the amazing level of love and support you had for one another.
Candy Harrison Mitchell
03/26/2012
I went to school with Paulette and Dewayne and am your neighbors sister and I just wanted to send my deepest condolences to your whole family. I am so sorry to hear about your loss and pray for your comfort in this time of mourning.
Susie & Tom Billingsley
03/26/2012
We will all miss Joanne. Our prayers are with you Max and to the
rest of the family. Wilderness Lakes will never be the same.
Joann & Auggie Martin
03/26/2012
Please accept our sorrow for your loss. We have sure enjoyed our time
with Joann and Max in Mathis and the time spent together when we have stopped traveling through Des Moine.