Mary Lou Armstrong, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

Mary Lou Carpenter was born on March 24, 1927, on a farm in Greene County, Missouri. She was the daughter of Wilber Grant Carpenter and Ivy Ethel McCurdy Carpenter. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Carr Armstrong, who passed away on September 30, 1994; her son, James Dennis Armstrong; her son-in-law, Jerry Wayne Webster; her sister, Myrtle Pitman, and husband, Eugene Pitman; her three brothers: Edward and his wife Margaret ; Robert and his wife, Kathleen; and J.C. Carpenter.

She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Webster; three grandchildren, Amanda Ward, Nathan Webster and his wife, Jennifer, and Leslie Sharma and her husband, Shankar; six great-grandchildren, Hannah and her husband, Gabe, Hilary Ward, Trenton, Carter, Riley Webster, and Ila Sharma; three great-great-grandchildren, Rowan, Lenore, and Annette Ward; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Morrisville High School valedictorian, graduated in 1945, Mary Lou Armstrong, was a cheerleader and snare drummer. She earned an English degree from MSU in 1967 and played snare drum in the MSU marching band. She was passionate about literature, dedicating 20 years to teaching English at Hillcrest High School.

On June 26, 1948, she married James Carr Armstrong (Jim), and together they had two children, Vicki and Denny. She was a beloved mother and grandmother (GG), known for her love of children of all ages, her avid reading, and her love for travel.

After retiring, Mary Lou and Jim retired on Table Rock Lake, where they spent many happy hours boating, swimming, and having good times with friends at the lake. The lake was truly her ‘Happy Place.’

She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, where she attended Dogwood Sunday School class, was a greeter and participated in PACE exercise programs.

The family would like to thank the Township Senior Living staff and St. Croix Hospice for the loving care and support they gave over the last several years.

A celebration of life honoring Mary Lou Armstrong will take place on Friday March 14th, at 1:00 P.M. at Greenlawn South Funeral Home. Private burial to follow.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Ozark Food Harvest, Care to Learn or a charity of choice.