Kathleen Elizabeth Armstrong (Beth) passed away on August 18, 2014 at Piccadilly Care Centre at the age of 95 years.
Beth was born at the family farm on April 14, 1919, the daughter of Ted and Betty Chambers. She lived in Boissevain Manitoba area.
Beth started school at Richview, which she attended until the family moved to Fairburn district. She continued her education through grade 10 which she took by correspondence.
Normal school (teacher training) was taken in Brandon. Her first teaching experience was at Croll School, where she stayed for 3 years, followed by 2 years at Lyonshall School.
On July 12, 1944 she married Herb Armstrong at St. Johns Anglican Church, in Kelsford (Horton). They farmed on the Armstrong farm north of town until 1947 when they moved to 36-2-20 south of Boissevain, where they lived until retiring to Boissvain in 1976. After the passing of her husband Herb on June 21, 1992 Beth moved to an apartment in 1994, Whitewater Place, Boissevain.
After her children (Gary and Heather) were of school age, Beth spent many years teaching in rural schools. Due to a teaching shortage she resumed her teaching at Fairburn School for 4 years; and spent two at Horton School, nine years at Richview and was principal at Minto School for 14 years. During these years she attended summer school and night school at Brandon University, attaining a Bachelor of Education degree in 1977.
In 1982 Beth took early retirement and enjoyed many trips and visits with her husband, family and friends in Canada, USA and Europe. Later on cruises were taken to the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Christmas day and outings to William Lake were happy times spent with Michael, Kelly, Gary, Milly and boys. Many enjoyable and delightful trips to Salmon Arm, BC were taken to spend time with Heather, Dennis, Kurt, Keri and Kristal. They often took great holidays with the Wasney’s (Herb’s sister, brother-in-law and niece Karen) to California and White Rock, BC. They made several trips to Florida where they visited at Sanibel Islands with the Coles, who were friends that were met on a tour but have subsequently passed away.
Square dancing for many years with friends to many places was a pleasure to Herb and Beth. Good times were enjoyed by both at the Activity centre.
As a family they attended Sunday school and later St. Paul’s United Church Boissevain.
Beth was a member of IOWE serving as regent for a time, belonged to the united UCW and served the Worship Committee; was president of Woman’s Institute for a term and also belonged to the Hospital Auxiliary where she was also president for a term.
In 2004 Beth moved to Salmon Arm to be closer to her daughter and family. Beth resided at Piccadilly Terrace for several years, and then moved a few doors down to Piccadilly Care Centre in 2008.
Beth was predeceased by parents, sister, brother in law, and husband Herb. Left to mourn her passing are her children Heather (Dennis) and their family, Gary (Brenda) and their family.
Service details to be announced at a later date.
Online condolences may be sent through Beth’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com