Obituary of Winnifred Ruth Armstrong

Armstrong, Ruth (nee Hogan)

It is with heavy hearts that the Armstrong/Cobean family announces the passing of Ruth on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the North Bay Regional Health Centre.  She was in her 77^th year.  Ruth began work at the Bank of Nova Scotia.  She was offered a position at the North Bay Civic Hospital doing Accounts Payable where she stayed many years until completion of the new addition.  She decided she needed a change so she worked as the office manager for Dr. England where she stayed several years.  In 1967 she married her love Dr. Jim Cobean.  He was killed in the Barry Building explosion in 1975, leaving Ruth with 4-year-old Karen and 2-year-old Michael.  Ruth’s focus was her children who she adored.  She volunteered at the public school, Civic hospital but mostly at her church.  A devoted member who served on the Board of Managers, was an Elder, and taught Sunday school for 49 yrs. In 1987 Ruth felt fortunate to love again and married Dr. Frank Armstrong who passed away after 30 wonderful years.  Frank and Ruth had the pride and joy to see both her children graduate with Doctor of Optometry degrees.  Although her prognosis was not good, she intended to defy the odds and see her granddaughter Sarah return from university and see her other granddaughter Kelly graduate from high school.  She leaves to mourn her beloved children Dr. Karen Cobean (Nish) and Dr. Michael Cobean (Chantal).  Cherished sister Eleanor Mitchell (Tom deceased), brother Donald (Barb), Dr. Ted Cobean (Jane), many nieces & nephews, cousins and her constant companion, her little dog Duffy.  Sadly missed by her extended family Gina Armstrong (Bil), Mari Lee Runnalls (Kevin), Alex Armstrong (Lily), Guy Armstrong (Cheryl), Loren Armstrong (Melanie), sister and brother-in-laws Ann Hulbert (Stan), Angus Armstrong (Elgay), Diane Armstrong (Bill deceased), Judy Armstrong (Donald deceased), Tom Armstrong (Evelyn deceased), and Jean Robinson (Bob deceased).  She leaves behind 16 grandchildren & 18 great-grandchildren.  Family will receive friends at the MARTYN FUNERAL HOME on Thursday, October 17, 2019 from 12-2 pm.  A memorial service will be held at Calvin Presbyterian Church on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 3 pm.   Cremation has taken place at Forest Lawn Crematorium.  A private burial will take place at Terrace Lawn Cemetery.  If desired, donations to the Nipissing Serenity Hospice, Calvin Presbyterian Church or All Heart Pet Rescue. Special thanks to Dr. Stephane Gauthier, Dr. Mike Leckie, Dr. Andrea Dmytrash and all the wonderful nurses and staff in the CCU department.  Thanks to Martyn Funeral Home for their guidance. Online condolences at www.martynfh.com