Dorothy Louise Armstrong

Dorothy passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2013, at Bonaventure Assisted Living in East Wenatchee, WA. She was born on October 22, 1929, in Fordyce, Arkansas, to the late Leonard Owen and Lila Mae (Parker) House. When Dorothy was to enter the 3rd grade, her family moved to Compton, CA, where she continued her education and graduated. During Dorothy's time in high school, she worked in a dry cleaning shop. It was there she met Raymond Armstrong, starting a romance that would last for 65 years. Ray saw her "pretty blue eyes" and told his family and friends that he was going to marry her. Their wedding became part of Compton's Centennial celebration. They were selected by the city to have their marriage witnessed by the entire town, complete with gifts from the merchants and a parade following. As part of the parade, Ray pulled his new bride through town in a little red wagon. Ray and Dorothy made their first home in Compton. A year later, Ray was able to get a Cal-Vet loan, which they used to buy their dream home and raise their children in Bellflower, CA. Later, Ray started his own electrical business and Dorothy kept books and records for the business as well as being a busy, devoted mom of three children-Connie, Dan and Cliff. As her family grew up, she led the way in being involved in church activities. She demonstrated what it meant to be a follower of the Christ she loved. Dorothy also built on her gifts as a multifaceted artist. She was a culinary genius, an exceptional seamstress and a talented artist. It was summer vacations to visit Ray's Uncle Herb and Aunt Dean in WA that planted the seeds that eventually led Dorothy and Ray to move to their own "Armstrong Ranch"...their cherry orchard. Even though they had moved to WA, Dorothy and Ray made many trips to CA to visit family. Dorothy was at the births of her grandchildren who call her Dossie. She was indispensable help according to her daughter. As years passed, Ray and Dorothy's relationship continued to deepen-they were never apart for their 65 years together. Dorothy's graciousness and commitment as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and hostess are missed by all who knew her. Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents and brother and sister-Ray House and Betty Wood. She is survived by her husband MH Raymond "Ray" Armstrong, Wenatchee; children-Connie (Ray), Dan, and Cliff; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren and 2 sisters-Nancy Allen and Fay Barner. Viewing is scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, 2013 from 1-5pm at Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2013, 2:30pm at the Wenatchee Cemetery, Wenatchee, WA. You are invited to view her tribute and leave a message for the family online at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com . Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Dorothy Louise Armstrong

October 22, 1929 - August 22, 2013