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
Sally Heithoff
03/03/2020
Fran, you were so special in so many ways and I am a better woman for having known you! R.I.P sweet lady and my love and prayers go out to Roger and your family. Till we meet again in the big meeting in the sky my friend!!
Diane Fenrich
03/03/2020
Fran, you are so special to me, and I Love You, and will miss you terribly. Praying for your family in this difficult time. I am honored to have known you. RIP my dear friend
Randy Traviss
03/03/2020
Fran was very warm and welcoming to me when I came to AA. She will be remembered and missed.
Kathy Schnell
03/03/2020
You are so special Fran and I'm so blessed to have you traveling your journey with me. Thanks for all the hugs and "I love you"
Diana Williams (Justin's Mom)
03/03/2020
When I think of Fran, I think of the beautiful smile, the touching hugs and the abundance of warmth that she and Roger extended to our family. Our sons had many,many fun times together and we have very fond memories of our family gatherings. Fran touched so many of us with her giving heart and love. To the Family, I pray that your many, many fond memories bring comfort to you. Love, Diana, Justin and Jonathan Williams (Minneapolis)
Kay Tannatt
03/02/2020
I met Fran 16 years ago at Holy Trinity Church. We did not know one another but became fast friends in a matter of minutes after meeting.
Fran was always good for a big hug, bright smile and encouraging words. She was definitely an Earth Angel.
Love and miss you my soul sister!
Rusty Friedel
03/02/2020
Love and miss you Ms Fran. Sending prayers and hugs to your family as they get thru this difficult time.
Dave Spaulding
03/02/2020
My dearest Fran, there is no way one can measure the great amount of help you have given people. You will be forever remembered for your hugs and love.
Nancy Routson
03/02/2020
Our sons were friends first. Who would have thought you and Carol Ann and I would become such good friends for so many years? I will always remember your hugs and the "I Love Yous" at the end of our conversations. You always loved angels, now we all have a special angel in you. I love you, Frannie.
Denny Ryan
03/02/2020
Sunday we gathered like we always do but there was someone missing. We knew this day was coming but didn't think it would be this quick! Everyone was talking about your passion and spunk! What you lacked in height you more than made up with conviction and love! You had a way of leaving everyone feeling very special and loved! I will miss your hugs and smiles. The only thing that gets me thru these times is knowing that you are without pain and you are giving your God the a hard time in your loving and supporting way! You will be missed actually you are already missed Fran! RIP until we meet again!
#1 Son
03/02/2020
You have only been gone two days but it seems like forever! But know that we will be alright. But you can continue to watch over us like you always did! Love you!!!