Shirley Marie (Bearrood) Armstrong

Shirley Marie (Bearrood) Armstrong passed away at the age of 82 at Kinnic Health and Rehab in River Falls, Wisconsin, where she was rehabbing from a broken wrist.  Cousin Jinny Jorgensen put it best “God seems to have chosen a new home for Shirley to abide in rather than having her wonder where she would live next”.

Shirley was born October 4, 1940, to Alf Bearrood and Stella (Jensen) Bearrood in Amery, Wisconsin.  Her parents lived on a farm near Amery.  Shirley was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church but would join the Church of Latter-Day Saints later in life.

In 1943, her parents moved to Afton, Minnesota where her dad managed a poultry farm supplying eggs to Twin Cities restaurants.  In 1946, her family moved to Hudson, Wisconsin where her dad worked for Northern States Power.

Growing up Shirley was blessed with a large family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.  The families often got together to celebrate some event and all had a great time. She also attended many family reunions and helped organize some.  Shirley had a special place in her heart for her cousins, nieces, and nephews and she sent out many birthday cards along with a kind note.

In 1952, Shirley’s father passed away at an early age.  That left her mother to raise 3 children.  Sheldon was 13, Shirley was 11 and Sharlene was 6 years old.  All 3 children attended Hudson Public Schools and walked to school every day.  There was no car in the family after her dad died.

Shirley graduated from Hudson High School in 1958 and went to work as a receptionist for Peter Tweet, a local dentist.  Shirley continued to live at home with her sister Sharlene.  Shirley also worked for Erickson Foods in Hudson. 

In 1963 Shirley married Tristan Armstrong and they were blessed with two sons.  Tad Matthew was born in 1964 and Timothy Mark was born in 1966.  They began their married life in Hudson.  Later they would divorce and Shirley never remarried.  Both sons attended Hudson schools.

After her sons left home, Shirley moved to Rochester, Minnesota for a few years and then on to New Richmond, Wisconsin for a period of time where she worked as a receptionist for a local chiropractor.

Shirley joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1968.  Her new church family would provide much support for Shirley the rest of her life.  Around the year 2000, Shirley wanted to live in Utah to be closer to the Church of Latter-Day Saints Temple in Salt Lake City.  The higher altitude did not agree with her and Shirley returned to Wisconsin within a year and lived in an apartment in Hudson for the rest of her life.

Shirley had a passion for genealogy and she took full advantage of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints extensive genealogy records.  She was very proud of her Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish ancestry.  Shirley would also do sewing projects for her family and friends, such as embroidering dish towels and pillowcases.

Shirley is survived by her two sons, Tad and Tim Armstrong, and grandsons, Ethan, Eric, Caleb, and Matthew.  Also surviving are brother, Sheldon Bearrood, sister, Shar (David) Guggemos, nephews, Douglas (Teresa) Bearrood and Robert (Cathleen) Bearrood, nieces, Janet (Chris) Garza and Susie (Jacob) Price as well as many cousins, grandnephews, and grand nieces.

A Celebration of Life – Funeral Service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of  Latter-Day Saints in Hudson, Wisconsin on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 1:00 PM with the Bishop officiating.  Visitation will be held at the church beginning at 11:00 AM until the time of service.  Fellowship and a meal will be held at the church following the service.  Shirley thanks everyone who is able to attend her service or send notes to her family.  She loves you all and appreciated all your visits and kindness.

A graveside service and burial will be later this Spring at Bone Lake Cemetery near Luck, Wisconsin. Pallbearers will be Paul Jensen, Philip Jensen, Raymond Williamson, and Carl Williamson and Honorary Pallbearers will be LeRoy Jensen and Bill Jensen. 

Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria, Wisconsin is assisting the family with all arrangements.  Check their website at “kolstadfamilyfuneralhome.com” for further information or to post a note.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Marie (Bearrood) Armstrong, please visit our floral store.