Ella Mae Armstrong

Ella Mae Walters Armstrong was born on May 22, 1935, in Wenatchee, Washington, to Ray Oren and Mabel Claire Somerville Walters. She was the sixth of seven children, growing up in a lively and loving household. After kindergarten, her family moved-first to a small farm in Winthrop, Washington, and then to West Linn, Oregon-where she spent the rest of her childhood and graduated from high school. On June 29, 1957, Ella Mae married the love of her life, Gordon Armstrong. The two shared 52 wonderful years together. Soon after their wedding, they moved to Seattle, Washington, with the promise that it would only be for a few years-though it became the place where they built a beautiful life. Ella Mae began her career with Great Northern Railroad, which later merged into Burlington Northern Railroad in the 1970s. She dedicated 35 years of service before accepting an early retirement. In 1961, Gordon and Ella Mae helped found Sierra Heights Baptist Church in Renton, Washington. The pastor who married them in Oregon later officiated the weddings of their two eldest daughters. Ella Mae faithfully served in the church, teaching Sunday school and helping with many church activities. A year later, they moved to Renton permanently, raising their four children in a home filled with love, faith, and laughter. After retiring, they settled in Beaver Creek, Oregon, placing a new mobile home on Grandpa Armstrong's property. It was a special time for them, living surrounded by nature and family. After Gordon's passing, and when Ella Mae could no longer live on her own, she moved to Edgewater, Florida, with her daughter Denise. There, she thrived in assisted living, enjoying bingo nights and outings to local restaurants. A year later, she moved with her daughter Deanna to Odessa, Texas, where they found a warm and caring home, and she eventually transitioned into full-time care. Ella Mae was passionate about her family. She loved nothing more than cheering on her children and grandchildren at sporting events-especially baseball and softball. A loyal Seattle Seahawks and Mariners fan, she watched their games religiously, always determined to find the right channel, no matter who she had to call for help. Her adventurous spirit led her all over the country. What began with tent camping soon evolved into traveling in campers, fifth wheels, and eventually her very own motorhome. She was a proud member of Thousand Trails, exploring countless campgrounds and creating cherished memories with Gordon and their family. Lake Cushman and the Oregon coast were two of her favorite destinations. Ella Mae was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gordon Armstrong; her son-in-law, William Cahill; her parents; and five of her siblings. She leaves behind her loving children: Denise Cahill of Edgewater, FL; Deanna Schuh (Kenneth) of Odessa, TX; Darren Armstrong (Rebecca) of Sandy, OR; and Doreen Armstrong (Michelle) of East Wenatchee, WA. She also leaves behind her sister, Peggy Rowley; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Ella Mae lived a life full of deep love, quiet strength, boundless joy, and a little orneriness. She gave her heart fully to her family, her faith, and her adventures-and in doing so, left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her. Her spirit will live on in every wave that crashes on the Oregon coast, every campground memory, and every game-day cheer. She was deeply loved, and she will be dearly missed.

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Ella Mae Armstrong

May 22, 1935 - March 30, 2025