Armstrong – Shirley Ann Burrows of Bassano, beloved wife of the late Arnold Armstrong, passed away in Bassano on Saturday, November 17th, 2018 at the age of 84 years. She was born in Bassano on June 22nd, 1934. Her parents were Ralph and Billie Burrows. Shirley was raised in Countess, Alberta and married Arnold Armstrong August 15th, 1953. Although Gramma thought Arnold looked like a caged coyote that day, they happily began their life together on the Tiegland place, where they enjoyed the traffic of the XL crew and many good neighbours. In 1960, they purchased the Plummer place, which is where they resided together until Arnold Passed in 2000. A few years later she moved to the Bothi Place. Grammas values were directed by the points of the Eastern Star, to which she was a member for 65 years. She was a strong supporter of countless community events of course and an avid sports fan. She was very passionate about her yard and garden which was open to everyone. Shirley served Bow Cattle Company as the ranch cook for an excess of 60 years, with her home-grown food and array of gladiolas. A few honours were awarded to Gramma for her devotion to the community such as Citizen of the year, parade Marshall, multiple rural beautification awards and most recently the first sports woman on Bassano’s history. Shirley was very devoted to the Knox Presbyterian Church, with several years spent teaching Sunday school and later she served as an Elder. Grandma Shirley took great pleasure in using the colourful squash and pumpkins from her garden to decorate the church and served bread and raspberry jam at the end of the Thanksgiving Service, she was famous for her dill pickles, chili sauce, sticky buns, and raspberry jam. She often said that her gladiolus were her ministry as each summer she would take bouquets to those in need of a visit or cheering up. Shirley was a true matriarch that will be sorely missed by all who knew her. She created a home that was welcoming for people of all walks of life. Whether it was a warm meal and coffee was needed or a philosophical discussion, she was always available and ready to help. Many valuable lessons were taught and retaught if needed and the fond memories of these will remain with all the friends and family. Gramma Shirley was everyone’s gramma. She was predeceased by her son William Bruce Armstrong in 1983, her husband Arnold Armstrong (2000) and son Richard Grant Armstrong in 2014, brother Ralph Burrows Jr. and her two half-sisters Phyllis Banks of Burbank, California and Shirley Thorup of Salt Lake City, Utah. Shirley is survived by her sister-in-law Betty Ann Burrows; brother-in-law Bob Armstrong; daughter Kerrie (Bruce) Kusler and their children Winston (Jolene) Kusler and children Kooper and Ashton; Daniel (Elke) Kusler and their children Luke and Owen; Marilyn Armstrong and her children Alisha Armstrong (Mike Hale) and their children Georgia, William, Jack, and Romee; Laura (Scott) Culligan and their children Murphy and Rilee; Rae-Lynn Armstrong (Reo King) and their children and Quinn, Marley, and Gunner. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 23rd at 2:00 PM from Bassano Community Hall. Rev. Peter Baek officiating. A Family Graveside to be held at Bassano Cemetery. In memory of Shirley if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Bassano Health Foundation, Box 120, Bassano, Alberta T0J 2W0.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca
Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652
“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”
