Shirley Ann Armstrong

Shirley Ann (Kerns) Armstrong, age 79, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, February 10, 2015 while in the care of Community Hospice House.

Born in the family’s Oldtown Valley home at New Philadelphia on April 22, 1935, Shirley was one of nine children born to the late Joseph and Daisy French Kerns.

A 1953 graduate of the former Tuscarawas-Warwick High School, Shirley married William “Bud” Armstrong on June 27, 1953. Together the couple raised three children and shared 49 years of marriage prior to his passing on September 23, 2002.

Shirley spent the majority of her life caring for her family and in her later years, transitioned to employment outside of the home. Most recently, she enjoyed her work for Roselyn’s Music Studio at Dover and greatly enjoyed getting to know the patrons of the store.

She was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and attended services as her health allowed. In her free time, Shirley enjoyed sewing, working in her flower gardens, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and collecting dolls. She also loved being with her family and attending various gatherings through the years.

Shirley will be missed by her three children, Linda (William) Barcus of Dover, William “Buck” (Sherry Tomer) Armstrong of Strasburg, and Kevin (Astra) Armstrong of New Philadelphia; three grandchildren, Mandy (Jeremy) Westervelt of New York and Fiona and Mackenna Armstrong of New Philadelphia; and two great-grandchildren, Daisy and Melody Westervelt.

Completing the family are a sister, Sandy (Monty) Davis of New Philadelphia and five brothers, Richard (Nancy) Kerns of Florida, Dean Kerns of West Virginia, Kenneth (Darla) Kerns, Harold Kerns all of New Philadelphia and Gerald Kerns of Tuscarawas as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in death by an infant granddaughter, Lisa Marie Barcus; and two brothers, Jerry and Joseph Kerns.

The family will greet guests on Saturday, February 14, 2015 from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where Pastor Hombre Liggett will lead a service celebrating Shirley’s life on Saturday at 1:30 PM. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Burial Park. Following the service, a time of food and fellowship will be shared in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home.