Joseph Ralph Armstrong (1890-1957)

ARMSTRONG, TUBBS, BOYCE, ABBEY, BOWERS, LANTZ

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 7/19/2008 at 19:53:48

Unknown source.

COLLINS: Funeral services for J. R. Armstrong were held in the Methodist Church Friday afternoon with Rev. John L. Alexander officiating. A ladies' quartet composed of Patricia Caulkins, Helen Lawson, Betty Lehman and Dorothy Holland sang "Prayer Perfect", "Beneath the Cross of Jesus", and "The Lord's Prayer" accompanied by Frances Stone at the piano and Grace Robinson furnishing the instrumental music on the organ.

Casket bearers were former service men: Clyde Keagle, Floyd Oswalt, C. R. Stone, Dewey Kern, William Fitzgerald and Andrew Johnstone.
Flowers were cared for by Clara Serbein and Minnie Rumbaugh with Harold Hale furnishing the flower car.

Interment was in the Evergreen cemetery with graveside service in charge of the Masonic Lodge of Collins. The American Legion in military garb gave the salute and taps.

Brouhard morticians were in charge.

Unknown Source.

Obituary

Joseph Ralph Armstrong, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Armstrong was born in Kirkwood. Ill. on November 16. 1890. He grew to manhood there served his country in World War 1 and came to Iowa later.

On January 10, 1920 he was united in marriage with Mae Viola Tubbs after which they lived in Pomeroy until 1922. He was in the newspaper business there and at Manson till 1924 when they went to Longview, Wash. returning to Iowa in 1925. They lived in Des Moines until April 1, 1927 when they came to Collins purchasing the Collins Gazette which he published until January 1, 1956.

Mr. Armstrong retired then and went to Colorado and later to Arizona hoping to benefit his health which was fast failing and it was there that Mrs. Armstrong died April 17, 1957.

He and his sister, Mrs. Hazel Boyce reopened the home in Collins for a few weeks and while more permanent arrangements could be made, he went to Des Moines staying in the home of his brother-in-law and wife, Mr, and Mrs. Russell Tubbs.

He was taken to Wilden Hospital in Des Moines on Sunday June 23rd following an alarming change in an asthma and heart condition, growing steadily worse and passing away Tuesday morning June 25, 1957.

Beside his wife he was preceded in death by his parents two brothers and one sister.

Surviving are four sisters: Mrs. Mary Abbey of Los Angeles, Calif; Mable (Mrs. Charles Bowers) of Hugo, Colo.; Myra, (Mrs. C. W. Lantz) of Cedar Falls; Mrs. Hazel Boyce of Hugo, Colo. and recently of Collins; one brother W.. E. Armstrong of Mackey, Idaho.

Mr. Armstrong was a member of the Collins Methodist Church, Freeland-Carver Post of the American Legion. and Fervant Lodge A. F. and A. M. and was active in all these organizations.

He made the Collins Gazette an instrument of service to the entire community. It found its way like a weekly letter from home, to every boy and girl from Collins that entered the service of their country, regardless of where they were stationed. His thoughtfulness will never be forgotten and his memory will linger in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.