Mary Therese Armstrong

Mary Therese Armstrong, age 92, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025 in Westby, Wisconsin after suffering a major stroke.

Therese was born on September 18, 1932, in Ashland, Wisconsin to Sam and Leota Anderson. She was one of three daughters, including Helen and Janice. Teresa attended Catholic school from kindergarten through 12th grade in Ashland. After graduation, she went to the big city of Chicago to business school where she became proficient at shorthand and typing. When she returned, she met a very nice young man named Ray Armstrong whom she married in 1953. ln 1954 they welcomed Laura Ann into their little family and 11 months later Mark Timothy came along. Ray began a teaching career, and they moved to the charming town of Westby. Therese kept track of the kids and worked various jobs around the area, including at the local hospital. A few years later they welcomed their 3rd child, Mary Beth. When the kids got older, Therese went to work at Vernon Electric Cooperative, working her way up to the position of Billing Manager. She stayed at VEC until her retirement. After her retirement, Therese and Ray sold their house in Westby and fulfilled a dream of having a lake house in the north woods. They purchased a quaint home on Deep Lake outside of lron River and lived there for 25 years. They enjoyed pontoon boat rides around the lake and trolling for a fish or two. They also traveled around the U.S. in their 5th wheel, spending time across the southern states and finally landing in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. They wintered in LHC for many years in their camper and later in an apartment. As Ray's health declined, they made the choice to stop traveling and settled back in their cabin by the lake. The final few years were spent closer to their children in Westby. After Ray's passing in 2021, Therese lived independently and enjoyed going out to Thursday night cocktails and appetizers with her friends, watching TV and having her kids visit her. Last summer, her daughters took her on a colossal road trip, visiting San Antonio, Sea World and South Padre lsland. Therese loved a good car ride!

She is survived by her daughter Laura Stoddard, son Mark (Ruth) Armstrong, and daughter Mary Beth (John) Lund, Grandchildren: Leah Armstrong, Adam Armstrong, Kaitlyn McMurtrey and Violet Lund.

Therese was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Armstrong, her sisters Helen Cowan and Janice Destrampe and their husbands, her parents, her daughter Laura's husband, Mike Stoddard and all of Rays siblings.

ln lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish

Service details:

Because Ray died during COVID, we will be celebrating both Ray and Therese at the Funeral Mass.

Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church

400 Congress Ave, Viroqua, Wl 54665

Friday, October 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM. The family will visit ½ hour before the service. Luncheon immediately following the service in the church hall.

Graveside service: Saturday, October 25, 3 PM at St. Agnes Cemetery, 1621 Sanborn Ave (Hwy 112) Ashland, WI.

Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is assisting the family.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.