Elizabeth "Beth" Marie Armstrong

April 19, 1981 on a beautiful Easter morning in southern Illinois, Elizabeth Marie Wilson entered this world. On that day, she made Jeff and Sharon Wilson first time parents, and changed their lives forever. It didn’t take long for her to fall in love with agriculture while being raised on her family's 147 year old farm in Dundas, IL. You could often find her working and showing cattle with her brother and sister. Beth was a child of God and began that relationship at St. Joseph Catholic Church while attending grade school there. Beth not only loved agriculture early on, but her love for the Lord and His people is what set her apart. Her infectious personality drew people to her, she found a friend in everyone she met. Beth graduated from East Richland High School in 1999. Her passion for agriculture and leadership is what led her to broad experiences in 4-H and FFA. Those encounters culminated in serving as Illinois’ FFA State Secretary in 1999-2000 and earned her American Degree. It was during that year that she had the epiphany that she could nurture her relationships to impact the world beyond her small town borders.

Beth continued to build those relationships while attending the University of Illinois, College of ACES and becoming a member of 4-H House Sorority. During her time spent in 4-H House, she had the pleasure of making many lifelong friends. Beth would go on to graduate from UofI with a degree in Agriculture Leadership in 2004. After interning with AgriGold Hybrids in college, she went back to work for AgriGold in the marketing department. Little did she know that this job would also lead her to her soulmate and future husband. Todd and Beth started dating shortly after. The connection must have gone deeper than farming, however, for the two would marry in 2006.

After marrying the love of her life, she moved to Washington County, Indiana where her and Todd would begin their life together. Beth held true to her orange and blue in a world of black and gold. Being a person who had always loved working with kids, the fact that her and Todd’s relationship involved children from the very beginning never made her think twice. As she began looking for a new job, she wanted it to involve one of her two biggest passions: agriculture or youth. Beth was hired as the Youth First Coordinator at the Washington County Community Foundation. She hit the ground running and wanted to give the youth of the county more opportunities. In her own words from 2008, “We believe that investing in youth was a great way to invest in the future of our community.” She certainly blessed many children in her years of service and will continue to do so through the Todd and Beth Armstrong Youth Development Fund.

Following Todd and Beth’s marriage in 2006, they built a home on Todd’s 200 year old family farm where Armstrong Cattle & Crops was born. They also stay busy raising crops and Angus cattle on top of already demanding careers off of the farm. Todd and Beth have also been blessed with two additions to their family. The first to come along was Jack in 2007. He was then followed by Charlie in 2009. Parker, Mason, Jack, and Charlie have kept Beth busy. Her patience, calm nature, and sound advice were present in her parenting. Beth was the foundation of their family and her spirit will live on through their children forever. Out of all the titles she held, she took pride in being called mom the most. She could often be found coaching on the sidelines, volunteering at an FFA event, fitting cattle at the fairgrounds, or worshipping in church. Wherever her children were, that’s where you could find Beth.

Her professional life was varied and valued. She continued her life of service as a crop insurance agent with Silveus Insurance Group, where she was able to foster old and build new relationships with farmers in Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas. Beth wore many professional and civic hats including: Big Sister through the Washington County Big Brothers Big Sisters program, as well as a member of the Prevent Child Abuse Council, the Substance Abuse Council, and the Good Samaritan Inn Board.

In life’s busyness and demands, Beth’s faith led her. Geography and experiences led her to Mt. Tabor Christian Church where her faith blossomed. Beth was made new and baptized again on June 1st of this year by her step-daughter, Parker. Beth stated, “In my heart I’ve always been baptized but different churches have different definitions of what that means and that’s okay. I’ve been blessed to know more than one church that showed me God’s love. Faith has been a journey for me and it’s one I’m still on and plan to continue on everyday as I grow in my faith and walk this journey till the day I return to my Father. My creator. My way maker. My everlasting. Today I was made new in Blue River with Parker baptizing me. It took my breath away but isn’t that what faith should do?”

On Sunday, October 18, Beth returned to her Father, her creator, her way maker, her everlasting. A blood clot in an artery took her from us and returned her to Him. Although her physical body is not here, her love of God, family, and serving will live on through those who love her.

Survivors include:

Husband: Todd Armstrong

Daughter: Parker Armstrong of Washington, Dc;

Son: Mason Armstrong of Fredericksburg, Indiana;

Son: Jack Armstrong of Fredericksburg, Indiana;

Son: Charlie Armstrong of Fredericksburg, Indiana;

Parents" Jeffery & Sharon Wilson of Dundas, Illinois;

Brother: Matthew (Haley Geier) Wilson of Dundas, Illinois;

Sister: Jamie (Bryan) Oestreich of Flora, Illinois;

Mother In Law: Diana Armstrong of Salem, Indiana (James Apple);

Father In Law: Ken (Lu Anne) Armstrong of Fredericksburg, Indiana;

Grandmother: Lelia Rennier, Honorary

Grandfather Col. Charles M. DiCiro and lots of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by Grandparents: Donald and Marie Wilson, Ephrem Rennier, and Honorary Grandmother Magda DiCiro.

Visitation: 4 to 8 pm Wednesday and 4 to 8 pm Thursday at Mt. Tabor Christian Church and after 10 am Friday at Mt. Tabor Christian Church.

Funeral Service: 11:00 am Friday at Mt. Tabor Christian Church with Rev. Tony Mendizabal officiating.

Committal and interment will follow the funeral at Horners Chapel Cemetery in Fredericksburg.

All times are Eastern Standard Time.

The Family Requests Donations to any of the following funds at the

Washington County Community Foundation:

Todd and Beth Armstrong Youth Development Fund

James L. Brown Scholarship Fund

Washington County Family YMCA Fund

Please indicate which fund you wish to designate.

Please call the Foundation with any questions: 812-883-7334

Washington County Community Foundation

1707 North Shelby Street, Suite 100

Salem, Indiana 47167