Armstrong, Jean M.

Jean M. Armstrong, 50, of Independence, died Monday, April 16, 2012, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha of cancer. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the old IOCO Station at the Rowley corner on Highway 150. Iowa Cremation is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include her husband, Robert; a son, Scott (Roxy) of Independence; two sisters, Betty Utter and Clara (Tim) Drake all of Freeport, Ill.; and a brother, Ted Libby of Texas.

She is also survived by three grandchildren, Keegan, Alexis and Damien.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Amy.

Jean was born on Feb. 8, 1962, in Milwaukee, Wis., the daughter of Harry and Mary Schumacher Libby, but raised by her aunt and uncle, Floyd and Lillie Boyd. She married Robert Armstrong on July 9, 1980. Jean and Bob met at the Ringling Brothers Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wis. Jean was a clown and rode the elephants and Bob sold cotton candy, popcorn and snow cones. Jean was the co-owner and operator with her husband of Bob and Jean's Tavern in Independence for many years.

She enjoyed camping, crocheting, going to the casino, reading and especially the time spent with family and friends.

Jean was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial fund has been established.

Please leave a message or tribute to the Armstrong family on the Web page, under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette April 18 and 19, 2012.