Obituaries

Martha Lynn “Marti” Wilson Armstrong, 80

December 25, 1943 - April 16, 2024

Martha Lynn “Marti” Wilson Armstrong, 80, passed away in her sleep on April 16, 2024, at Mennonite Home Communities in Lancaster, PA. She was born Christmas day, December 25, 1943, in Mercer Cottage Hospital in Mercer, PA. She was the daughter of Carl A. L. “Spike” Wilson and Tressa (Doyle) Wilson. She graduated from Lakeview High School in 1961 and went on to earn a B.S. degree in English from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, in 1965.

During her high school years, she was active as a cheerleader and acted in many dramatic and musical productions. In college she continued her theater interests and was an editor for the IUP Penn newspaper. She was also crowned ROTC queen and an active member of her sorority, Phi Mu.

After graduating college, she married Gibson Edward Armstrong from Huntington, PA. After his time in the USMC, they moved to Lancaster in 1969, where they raised their four children on their farm in Refton, PA. They would have celebrated 59 years of marriage this June.

Marti continued her active roles in theater at The Fulton Opera House and Ephrata Play House, bowling leagues, the Historical Preservation Society of both Lancaster and Strasburg, Women’s Club and Lampeter Strasburg Booster Clubs. She attended Calvary Church in Lancaster, PA.

Those who knew Marti remember her for her playful sense of humor, quick wit, high energy, and outgoing personality. She loved her flower gardens, decorating her 1770 farmhouse, collecting antiques, and spending time with friends and family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her husband, Gibson Armstrong; sons, Gibson Carl Armstrong, husband of Amanda of Annapolis,MD, Erik Wilson Armstrong, husband of Trina of New Providence, and Kristian Burns Armstrong, husband of Maridol of Airville; a daughter Erin Armstrong Vinelli, wife of Chad Vinelli of Willow Street; grandchildren: Courtney, Kelly, Gibson Connor, Kara, Wyatt, Olivia, Amalia, Brooke, and Mitchell, as well as a sister, Elaine L Wilson, one niece, and four nephews.

A Celebration of her life will be held at 2:30 PM on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Willow Street Mennonite Church, 399 E. Penn Grant Rd. Willow Street, PA 17584. The family will receive guests from 1 PM until the time of service. Interment to follow in the church’s cemetery.

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Condolences to the Family

April 26, 2024

Gib,
You and Marti touched our lives in ways we could never fully reciprocate: making the arrangements for my father to come to the U.S. to attend college, and letting him stay with your family during the first two semesters. My father had so many memories of how fun it was to be around Marti and what a kind person she was. He was thrilled to have been able to return to China to host you and Marti in Beijing during the ’08 Olympics.  My mom and I grieve with you and your family during this difficult time.      With love and sympathy, Peng Zhao

April 25, 2024

Dear Gib and the Armstrong family.  We were truley saddened to hear of the passing of Marti. Although we didn’t know her well we felt a warmness and friendship when in her presence.  The people in her world were truely blessed to have known her and loved her.  We mourn Your loss and will pray God will heal the pain you surely are experiencing.  Your cousin Paul Machesky and family

April 25, 2024

Dear Gib and Family, Our sincere condolence for the loss of your Lovely Wife, Our Prayers will be with you.  Jay & Betty Ann (Erb) Haverstick

April 24, 2024

Gib and Family:
Terribly sorry to hear about Marti’s passing. I’ll always rememeber her quick wit, the ease at which she smiled and laughed and how she brighterned any room she was in. I hope you are all holding up OK and that fond memories help to ease the grief. 
Steve Samara

April 23, 2024

John and I are deeply saddened over the passing of dear cousin Marti. She truly made the world a better place by just being in it . She added laughter to the heart of all who knew her and love and blessings to our souls.
 Gib, you are the love of Marti’s life and yoi both enjoyed a life full of the love of all your children and grandchildren.
Erin,  Kris, Gibby and Erik, may the loving memory of your dear mother live on in you and your children, for that is a legacy you know endures and she deserves.  She loved you all so much. Prayers to you and yours. Please know that Marti was very dear to my heart also.
With Sympathy and Love,  Cousin Susan and John Latshaw

April 23, 2024

On my I have so many wonderful memories of Marty. We bowled together for many years. I am so sad to miss the celebration of her life as I am committed to working the voting polls all day. I can just hear her witty response to that. She will be missed as she touched so many lives. Shirley Reindollar

April 23, 2024

Gib and family.  So sorry to learn of Marti’s passing. We had many wonderful times with Marti , having met her through theater many years ago. She , being in varied shows with Jen , and I as a staff member.  She was great onstage and  off. We continued to be friends over later years , attending many shows together .. only on the other side of the curtain ..as an audience member . Those times dinner and theater were  so much fun. I always enjoyed too , her annual catch up Christmas letter regarding her life happenings , and her familywhich she so loved and enjoyed. I!ll remember too , our very last meeting , dinner at a local restaurant , and the crazy situation  that occurred that night  . We werec so glad she also  was able talk to Jen on the phone , as it had been years since Jen had seen her.  I’ll also remember many times I’d call and she’d be out doing her strawberries ect  , this and her garden she loved doing , plus her farm house . Marti was a vivacious personality , and  a so very ” down to earth person “. She’ll be sorely missed by many . Our many memories are now treasures . Deepest sympathy and caring thoughts to the familes.  Love Gail and Jen Smith  
 

April 22, 2024

Dear Give and Family:
My deepest condolences on Marti’s passing. She will be greatly missed. Kevin Lynn

April 22, 2024

Gib and family, 
So sorry to read of Marti’s passing.  A sweet lady who was always so friendly and pleasant. May your faith bring you comfort in this time of loss.    
Dennis Stuckey
 

April 22, 2024

Dear Gib and family,
Wishing you God’s peace.  I know this is a big loss.  Marti was always kind to your staff.  I enjoyed speaking to her when we met in the community.  I won’t be able to make the service.  I’m sorry I have to miss it.  Beverly Shank 

April 21, 2024

Gib. So sorry about  Marti’s passing.  I remember all the good times we had together especially our unexpected fun time in Florida. My deepest sympathy. Jane Barley

April 20, 2024

Gib, Erin, Chris, Gibby and Eric – know that we are thinking of you.  My mom and dad cherished their friendship with Marti (big) and always enjoyed their time together.  My memories are filled with her and my mom giggling like school girls when they were together.  Love you all,  Marti (little)
 

April 19, 2024

Dear Gib,
Our condolences for Marti’s passing.  Bless you and your family.
Bill Murry

April 19, 2024

Erin, Kris, Gibby, and Eric, I am so sorry for the loss of my dear cousin!!  Knowing she is dancing in heaven with Ne Ne is such a comfort at this time.  Love you all
Dottie Jo

April 19, 2024

I send my sincere condolences to Gib and all of Marti’s family, especially her children, who I got to know at L-S High School. She loved you all so much and wanted the very best that life could offer for your future. When she was in a room, she lit it up with her vivacious personality. I know you will never forget her.
Donna Popo

April 19, 2024

My condolences to Gibson and the Armstrong family. Mrs. Armstrong always made me feel like a part of the family during my many visits and on our trip to Russia. She will live on in my many good memories as a kind friend.
Craig Alan Busswood

Visitation
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Willow Street Mennonite Church
399 E. Penn Grant Rd.
Willow Street, PA 17584
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Services
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
2:30 PM
Willow Street Mennonite Church
399 E. Penn Grant Rd.
Willow Street, PA 17584
Map and Directions

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