Janet Eleanor Armstrong, 78, of Crookston, MN, passed away Thursday morning, December 15, 2022, in the Benedictine Living Community Crookston.
Janet was born on August 1, 1944, in Crookston, MN to Willis and Eleanor (Beattie) Hill. She was baptized and confirmed in the First Presbyterian Church and attended Crookston schools including Central High School. On April 20, 1962, Janet was united in marriage to Charles Frank Armstrong. The couple lived at Euclid where she worked with Charles on their farm as they also proudly raised 3 sons: Rodney, Rick, and Kevin. Janet had a gentle presence as a farm wife and mother. She was a great cook and baker, and meals were always on the table, whether it be next to a tractor in the fields or in their dining room at home. Her shrimp salad and divinity were standouts, and her brownies absolutely the best.
The family enjoyed many wonderful summers spent with their camper at Rogers Resort on the Upper Red Lake. Nothing pleased Janet more than feeding the wild birds, fishing, and watching the bears who frequented the shores and woods around the lake. Janet had a special connection with animals, and dogs were a focus in her earlier days as she was drawn to unique breeds. The farm became a ranch when 2 quarter horses and a pony were bought for the boys. Janet immersed herself in the world of horse shows and became a friend to many as she showed on the circuit. She had a generous heart and always brought a cooler full of great food to share with others when they arrived for a show. She was also an active member of the Agassiz Riders in Crookston for many years. Janet was an excellent bird trainer and raised exceptional parrots that entertained family and friends alike with their extensive vocabularies and even a song or two.
In the fall of 1981 Janet and Charles moved back to Crookston and in April of 2012 were honored at a Golden Wedding Anniversary celebrated at Fisher, MN. The day was wonderfully planned by their daughters-in-law, Deb and Wanda, and many beautiful memories were made. Charles passed away on August 6, 2018. Janet will be fondly remembered for her kind, smiling personality and love for her family and friends. There was nothing she enjoyed more than spending holidays and special occasions with her 7 grandchildren and great-grandson. Treasured be the memory of Janet Eleanor Armstrong to all who shared in her life.
Janet is survived by her 3 sons and 2 daughters-in-law: Rodney and Deb Armstrong of Ogema, MN, Rick Armstrong of FL, and Kevin and Wanda Armstrong of Fisher, MN; 7 grandchildren: Shannon, Faith, Lindsey, Karen, Josh, Madison, and Logan; and great-grandson, Charlie-Ray. She also leaves sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Bill Harrington of Green Valley, AZ; brother, Earl Hill of Crookston, MN; and was a special aunt to Chris, Amber, and Lindsey. In addition to Charles, her beloved husband of 56 years; Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Willis and Eleanor Hill; and other, family members.
A memorial service celebrating Janet’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 4, 2023, in the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home, Crookston, with The Rev. Ruth Sanders, officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place in the Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston, next spring.
