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ANNE LEGENDRE ARMSTRONG, former United States Ambassador to Great Britain, advisor to four U.S. Presidents, Chairman of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Regent of The Texas A & M University System, and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, died peacefully in Houston, Texas, on July 30, 2008. She was 80. Armstrong was an inspiration for generations of women who followed in the trail she blazed. She served as Co-Chairman of the Republican National Committee from 1971 to 1973, the first woman to hold such a position for either national political party. In 1972 she was the first woman to deliver a keynote address at a national political convention. President Richard M. Nixon appointed her to serve as Counsellor to the President with cabinet rank, a position she continued to hold under President Gerald R. Ford, who later appointed her Ambassador to the Court of St. James's. She was the first woman to hold this title. In 1980 Armstrong became Co-Chairman of the Reagan-Bush campaign. In 1981 President Ronald Reagan appointed her Chairman of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board where she advised him, and later President George H. W. Bush, on matters of intelligence and foreign policy during the height of the Cold War. She held the position until 1990. Armstrong and her husband Tobin were active in Texas politics throughout their lives and are credited with having helped establish Texas as a two party state. She succeeded Tobin after his death in 2005 as a Commissioner of Kenedy County, Texas, and held the office until her death. To honor her career of patriotic service Armstrong was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1987 by President Reagan, who said upon the occasion, "Her skill and unstinting effort in the service of her country have earned her the gratitude of our nation." In addition to her accomplishments in the political arena, Armstrong served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, as a Regent of Texas A & M University, and as a director on the boards of many corporations such as General Motors, American Express, Boise Cascade, Glaxo-Wellcome, and Halliburton. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on December 27th, 1927, Armstrong graduated valedictorian from Foxcroft School, where she was head of the student body. In 1949 she received her B.A. degree from Vassar College, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa in her junior year. In 1950 she married Tobin Armstrong and moved to his family's ranch in South Texas, where they raised five children . They enjoyed a remarkable and devoted marriage of 55 years. The Armstrong Ranch remained her home throughout her adult life. Those who visited the ranch will remember the warmth that complemented her intelligence and unwavering resolve. She enjoyed hunting, fishing and the affection of an extended family and many friends. Armstrong was predeceased by her husband, Tobin Armstrong, her parents, Armant and Olive Legendre, and her brother, James M. Legendre. She is survived by her five children: J. Barclay Armstrong and wife Nancy and their children John, Alston and Judd; Katharine Armstrong Love and husband Ben and her children Anne, Karsten and Barclay Idsal; Sarita Armstrong Hixon and husband Bob and their children Gideon, Alex, Tom and Tobin; James Armstrong and wife Lucy; Tobin Armstrong, Jr. and wife Ardon and their children Sallie, Tobin III and Phineas; a sister, Katharine Legendre King and her children; and a nephew, Armant Legendre. Visitation will be held at the Armstrong Ranch, Armstrong, Texas on Friday, August 1, 2008 from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM. A private burial service for immediate family members will be held in Austin, Texas. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, August 15, 2008 at Rudder Auditorium, Texas A&M University campus, College Station, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mrs. Armstrong's name to The Center for Strategic and International Studies, Texas A&M University c/o Texas A&M Foundation, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, or The Tobin and Anne Armstrong Texas Ranger Research Center. Arrangements are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, TX 78363, (361) 592-9394.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Valenda Newell
January 13, 2017
In the mid 1990's I met Anne on a flight from Atlanta to and American Express Board meeting in New York. We hit is off instantly since we were both from New Orleans with mutual friends. We kept in touch as she wanted to learn more about healthcare technology and, as a healthcare investment analyst, I wanted to learn about what Washington was planning for that industry. She opened doors fro me at CSIS for which I am grateful. She was a brilliant, sophisticated, and elegant lady who will be missed by all who knew her. Deepest sympathy
John Runningen
October 17, 2014
My deepest sympathy to all her family. She was loved and admired by many texans.
Yolanda Cruz
May 26, 2012
REMEMBER THE ALAMO
October 19, 2009
I find no words that would help comfort you in the loss of your wonderful mother, she was a strong, good woman and most important a true lady.
I loved and enjoyed the short times we spent together.
Anne Armstrong ,is one of my Heroes.
God bless you all.
Julie McCan
August 14, 2008
GODBLESS YOU & YOUR MOM & DAD
WE HAVE LOST A GREAT LADY !!.
WHAT A LOSS for all of us.
all of TEXAS is greeving with you.
im a Tobin/Curbelo GreatGrandson
HIGHEST RESPECT & REGARD'S
LEO ETIENNE
August 6, 2008
How sad to be reconnecting with you all as a result of your mother's death. I always knew she was accomplished, but wow! Most women will tell you that their most important accomplishment is their children. I don't doubt she would say the same. I am so very sorry for your loss but I know you will continue her legacy of service. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Fondly,
Jerry Hill Goodpasture
Jerry Hill Goodpasture
August 5, 2008
Raymond and I were so saddened to learn of your mother's death. Both of your parents were wonderful people and they will be sorely missed. We were fortunate to have known them.
Sincerely,
Jerauld and Raymond Hill
Jerauld Hill
August 5, 2008
As a young Vassar grad, working at the RNC and White House in the early 70s, I so admired and enjoyed the sparkling presence of Ann Armstrong.
Malise de Bree
Malise de Bree
August 3, 2008
Katherine and Sarita,
Sorry to hear about your Mom.
My condolences to your family.
She was one of the greats.
Jeff Greenblum
Jeff Greenblum
August 3, 2008
Richard H. Herrick
August 2, 2008
The Ambassador was a lady of class and diginty. She touched so many lives and did so in such a positive way. She will be missed by all.
Kent Hance
August 1, 2008
I worked with your mother in 1971 and 1972 at the RNC in Washington and have very fond memories of her. She was a wonderful woman and will be missed.
John Shea
August 1, 2008
Mr. Hixon,
I want to express to you, Mrs. Hixon and your family my sincere sympathy at the loss of your Mother-In-Law, Mrs. Armstrong. She was a remarkable lady. I know how very difficult it is to lose a parent; and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Phoenix Fuentes
August 1, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Cathy Browning Griggs
August 1, 2008
Dear Barclay, Katharine, Sarita, Jimmy and Tobin,
I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing.
It was an honour to have lived on the ranch during my childhood years and will forever treasure those moments.
I will remember your mother as a beautiful and highly intelligent woman who earned the respect of many, both politically and personally.
God bless you and your families.
Sincerely,
Carol Piatek (Portillo)
August 1, 2008
Barclay, Katharine, Sarita, Tobin & Jimmy - I am flooded with so many warm memories of Anne's incomparably gracious charm, her sparkling intelligence and humor, her generous hospitality, and her great love for her wonderful family... My love is with you all... Candi
Candi Clark
July 31, 2008
Katherine, John Barclay, Sarita, Jimmy, and Tobin:
My deepest condolences goes to you all. I treasure the 19 years of my life growing up in Armstrong. Anne and Tobin were such unique Americans. So many people have been influenced by your parents. We will dearly miss them.
My God Bless the Armstrong Family..
Your Friend
David Portillo
David Portillo
July 31, 2008
You will be missed.
Chanel Hall
July 31, 2008
Katherine - You have our deepest sympathy for the passing of your Mother. What an extraordinarily accomplished woman she was.
Thomas Johnson & Mark Manzella
July 31, 2008
Anne Armstrong was the bright shining beacon for the thousands of young women who wanted a future in politics. Thank you for lighting the way.
Ruth Schiermeyer
July 31, 2008
In tribute to a truly great woman.
Judy Hughes
July 31, 2008
With love and deep appreciation for your service to our country.
Peggy M. Wilson
July 31, 2008
Perhaps her greatest contributions can be best seen in the lives of her children.
J. C. Martin
July 31, 2008
Rest in Peace.
LCP
July 31, 2008
Sarita, Bob, and family
My prayers are with you during this time of loss. What a legacy your mother leaves behind, Sarita. Please enjoy the memories, family and friends that will keep her alive.
God Bless,
Jeni Rovello
July 31, 2008
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. MATTHEW 5:4. may the God of all comfort strenght your family at this difficult time in your life.
James Long
July 31, 2008
Jesus Loves Me!!!
Thomas Widgeon
July 31, 2008
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Rick Martinez
July 31, 2008
Rest in peace.
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
July 31, 2008
I am deeply saddened to hear of Anne's passing. My prayers are with her family and friends. She will be deeply missed but not forgotten.
Rest in peace Anne
Don & Shannon Botkin
July 31, 2008
REST IN PEACE, ANNE ARMSTRONG
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
July 31, 2008
Godspeed.
John Knight
July 30, 2008
LINDA TRACY
July 30, 2008
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