Frances Armstrong
February 29, 2020
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Service Details
Frances Ann “Fran” Armstrong, 79, passed away at home surrounded by her loved ones on February 29, 2020. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St. in Des Moines, IA and the funeral Mass on Friday, March 6 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2926 Beaver Ave. in Des Moines.
Fran was born on August 22, 1940 to Guadalupe (Calderon) and Francis Lozano in Wright County, Iowa. This tiny baby turned into a tiny, mighty woman. She was a proud East High graduate and graduate of the Iowa School of Beauty with a cosmetologist degree. She worked at the Polk County Courthouse for 27 years. After retirement, Fran was active at the Urbandale Senior Center where she displayed her paintings, and enjoyed the many exercise class options. She was a huge sports fan, and was thrilled when her Chicago Cubs won the World Series. She also attended the Iowa Cubs baseball games in the summer, and in the fall you would always see her in her Iowa Hawkeyes gear. She was a 38-year member of Alcoholics Anonymous, and a long-time member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Fran was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, a bundle of energy, often feisty, and a delight to be around.
She exuded the love of Christ and was well known for her big hugs. She had the gift of hospitality and she and Roger hosted most family get-togethers, making holidays, birthdays and any celebration special where everyone was welcome. Fran loved the Iowa State Fair and many family reunions were planned for that time. She was a long-time volunteer welcoming Fairgoers and answering their questions.
She is greatly missed by her husband, Roger Armstrong; children, Randy (Mary Ellen), Todd (Leigh), and Daniel; her grandchildren Jesse and Sirius Hill, Cody (Paige), Dusty (Amanda), and Todd (Lisa) Petek; 7 great-grandchildren; Sisters, Molly Chia, Alice Bergan-Riveros and Virginia Dunn-Falcone; Brother, Joseph (Carol) Lozano; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hope Ministries, 6701 SW 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50315. Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Marilyn Lee
03/28/2020
Roger I know your pain the emptiness you carry around everyday listening for the sound of her voice her presence.You go to bed with it and you wake up with it. Its always hard to lose a family member no doubt. When the quality of life no longer gives them any enjoyment or pleasure its a bitter sweet time for them to transition into eternity to be with Jesus where no pain exists.
When a beautiful story has been told we keep it alive in our hearts. You have that story to hold in your heart all the wonderful memories as many as stars in the sky,
Ted and I so enjoyed your friendship and the dinners we had at conventions. We all have memories to treasurer about Fran.
In Christs Love Marilyn
Sherry Altfillisch
03/08/2020
I am so sorry to learn of Frans passing. Roger, I understand your deep sorrow and that of your family. I hope your memories and the love and support of your family and friends help you find peace. Fondly, Sherry
Alyson Parker
03/07/2020
So sorry to hear about Fran's passing. She was such a joy to be around. She gave the best hugs & was always smiling. She had a kind heart & always was willing to share her experience, strength & hope in AA. She will be greatly missed. She is in God's hands. My prayers & thoughts go out to her family during this difficult time. God Bless
Carolyn Carr Mart
03/05/2020
I am so sorry to see this news. I seen Fran a few months ago walking through the atrium at Methodist and stopped to talk to her. She will be missed! Prayers and thoughts to all. ?? Carolyn
Gaila Sullivan Conklin
03/05/2020
My thoughts and prayers are with Fran's family. She touched many lives while on this earth. I knew her as a little kid, when she was my mom's beautician and as an adult, working with her at the Courthouse. RIP in Frannie and give my mom a hug from me.
Vincent & Roberta Bejarano
03/05/2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God Bless
Barbara Sue Williams
03/05/2020
We lived on Southside.Prayers ones to the family.
Doreen Zonona
03/04/2020
My sincerest condolences goes out to Randy and family for the loss of his mother. I happen to come across her obituary just now looking for my cousin's. I was fortunate to see her in the past 5 months. She didn't remember me but that was ok and she appreciated me saying hi to her and letting her know I knew her. We hadn't seen each other in 25 + years.
I won't be able to come to the evening visitation or funeral mass due to work on both days. My apologies and a big loving hug from me to all of you.
May God wrap His loving arms around all of you and give you the peace and comfort during your time of loss and heartache.
Carolyn Hoard
03/04/2020
I had the honor of knowing Fran through participation in the exercise class at the Urbandale Senior Center. Her energy and enthusiasm was a great inspiration! She will be missed.
Jess Wagner
03/04/2020
The sweetest soul who always gave me the biggest hugs. I have the best memories of Fran and the way she treated me like one of her own sons. Heaven got spoiled with her arrival.
John & Donna Lozano
03/04/2020
So sad to see a beautiful person like Fran leave us. Que tengas una vida gloriosa en el cielo (May you have a glorious life in Heaven).
Mike Appleby
03/04/2020
Roger and Family - so sorry for the loss of your wife, mother, and grandmother. Peace to everyone.
Darcey Paullin
03/03/2020
I will miss you, Frannie. Your spunk and energy will never be forgotten. When I could get to Johnston, I was always so happy to see your smiling face. Until we meet again, dear friend. My condolences are with your loving family.
Donna
03/03/2020
Oh Frannie,
You had the ability to love in multiple ways yet I believe your sweet spot was hospitality!
You n Roger had welcomed me into your home and loved on me when I was not so lovable. Then you guys welcomed my son n I in your home and shared your family holidays with us.
This is a cherished memory I will hold dear the rest of my days... Thank you.
Jerry Murray
03/03/2020
Fran was a neighbor and good friend for many years. She had such a good heart for people. I will miss her.