Frances L. "Fran" (Smith) Armstrong

Frances L. "Fran" (Smith) Armstrong, 88, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026.

Fran was born September 2, 1937, in Boonville, Indiana, and worked many years at Morton Memorial Children's Home.

She came to Anderson in the mid 1950's and worked many jobs in her life, such as the Anderson Newspaper Office, Columbia School Cafeteria, as a CNA at local nursing homes, Indiana Christian Academy cafeteria, all while getting married and raising seven children.

Fran was also a longtime member of Grace Baptist Church, where her and her husband participated in and led the senior group of Jolly Keenagers for several years. They loved being both a part of that group and the church.

Fran was married to Bob Armstrong for 70 years. They had many adventures together and loved getting to travel some. They also loved getting together with family and friends and playing games. Fran loved the Chicago Cubs and NASCAR Fantasy Racing, especially Jeff Gordon. Her hobbies were doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles and reading, among other things. She loved watching her grandkids in sports and other activities. She was known as a Mamaw to all.

She will be very sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. But Rejoice in her Eternal life with Jesus.

Loving survivors are her husband, Maurice (Bob) Armstrong; children, Russ Armstrong, Susie (Bruce) VanMatre, Sandy (Jeff) Williams, Sheryl (Eric) Barnes, Robin (Dean) McGary, and Pat (Stephanie) Armstrong; fourteen grandchildren and their spouses; eighteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Virginia Renforth and Evangeline Frye; sister-in-law, Janet Kocher; many nieces and nephews; and her church family and friends.

Fran is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Virginia Smith; son, Donald D. Armstrong; granddaughter, Brittany Armstrong; four bothers and two sisters.

Services will be held at Grace Baptist Church in Anderson, 432 West 300 North (Hartman Road), on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 12:00 pm. Visitation will be Friday, January 16, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and also one hour prior to services all at the church with Pastor Wilbur DuBois officiating.

Burial will follow in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery.