Patricia Armstrong

We wish we had the words to adequately express how amazing Patty “Tiny” Armstrong truly was, but words pale in comparison to the love and light she shined on so many that were fortunate to know her. She exemplified how to live a life full of purpose. Patty faced her own challenges with grace and dignity. She is the story of redemption and resilience. 

Her outgoing personality put her in the path of Claude Armstrong, who with persistence and clever forethought, was able to get her to quit washing her hair for the night and go on a date. It doesn’t matter that the date was for several months out. Later the two would marry and create a home rich in love, family and friends.

To the world she appeared as an ordinary woman, and we assure you she was anything but ordinary - to us she was the world. Patty, or Tiny, as we knew her embraced humor and would find amazement as each child, grandchild, niece and nephew would finally achieve that moment when they were just the slightest inch above her. She embraced the children and loved every child like they were her own. She embraced every celebration and was quick to offer support in hard times. She was a cheerleader, a voice of wisdom, support and, to so many of us, a safe haven. She treated everyone as equals with her quick wit and spitfire nature. Even when she was losing her words, she was still able to captivate the very nurses and staff that cared for her in her final days.

Patty and Claude had a wide circle of friends and were the caretakers of the neighborhood. For years, Patty made dinner for a gentleman up the street. Claude would deliver the dinner and stay to read the paper and visit with him. They both loved spending time at Sourdough Ranch and looked forward to their annual trip to Las Vegas/Phoenix to visit the slot machines, daughter and grandchildren.

Patty’s love and generosity for cats and dogs was legendary. Feeding cat communities all over Ogden was her passion. Dozens of cats would flock to her as her car pulled into a parking lot - she somehow found a way to feed them all whether by taking scraps from restaurants or getting others involved in her cause. There was not an animal that wasn’t her friend. There was never a time when there weren’t at least 2 to 3 dogs and a handful of cats roaming around her home. Even adopting the ugliest dog she could find (here’s looking at you, Mouth!) to ensure that they found a loving home. Animals were family and the number of fur babies saved will never truly be known.

Patty was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Armstrong; parents, Kelly and Dorothy Cross; brother, John Cross; and niece, Jennifer Burrahm. Survivors include sister, Charlene Kraus; nieces, Michelle Danielian (Richard) and Heidi Kraus; stepchildren: Kelly Dahill (Chuck), Beth Armstrong, Ken Armstrong (Alyce), Claudia Campbell (Scott); as well as 17 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Our family would also like to express our deep love and gratitude to Patty’s niece, Kristin Stroud, and friends, Mary Buess and Eleanor Jensen, for always making sure that Patty and her cat, Skinny Minnie, were taken care of during these past two years. Heartfelt thanks also go to the staff at Legacy House and the caregivers of Enhabit Hospice.

To truly honor Patty, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Furever Friends Animal Oasis, 1996 N 700 E, North Ogden, UT 84414.