Ellen Eldora Armstrong

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, Ellen Eldora Armstrong went to Heaven. She passed away peacefully in her sleep with her loved ones at her side. Born in Taylorville, IL on December 29, 1936, she shared her wit, intelligence, generosity and positive spirit with all who knew her for over 88 years. As mother to Scott Ourth, Stephanie Ourth (Mel), Susan Rodgers (Will) and daughter-in-love Heather Ourth, she gave the gifts of unconditional love and lifelong lessons in deep faith, enduring strength, and boundless compassion. There aren't words to describe how loved and treasured she was in return. She was wise beyond description and a role model for kindness. She taught us how to be a true friend in the best and most challenging of times. There was no limit to the love she gave and everyone who met her felt it. We were immensely blessed to have her as a mother and friend. She cherished being Grammie to Megan, Sarah, Nicholas and Logan as well as great-grandmother to precious Elise. She loved and was so proud of each one of them.

As a registered nurse for over 40 years, she was dedicated to the health and wellbeing of her patients, their families and the nurses she led as their manager. She prepared for this role by graduating from the Independence Sanitarium and Hospital in Independence, MO in 1956. In the late 1980s, she became a trailblazer in the eradication of infectious diseases. She worked with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to create the first Infection Control department within the hospital system where she worked. She delighted in going to health fairs all over the Chattanooga area dressed as a clown so she could educate the public in a positive and upbeat way how to stay safe in a world challenged by new variations of infectious disease.

In her free time, she loved to make delicious treats for her family and many special friends. She was famous for her pound cake and prize-winning fudge. She loved seeing someone's eyes light up when they bit into something she baked. She was a voracious reader and loved her animals as family. After retiring, she volunteered at the Community of Christ historic sites and enjoyed going to kindergarten classes in the area to read stories to the children.

As a woman of unwavering faith, she was a lifelong member of the Community of Christ Church, even opening her home in Chattanooga for services for more than 10 years. Her parents, Odessa and James Armstrong taught her, her brother Leroy (who was married to her dear friend Shirley), her sister Brenda (with her sweet husband Don) and her baby brother Jim that a life of faith is the greatest life one can live. She joins them now as they all went to Heaven before her.

Our family would like to give special thanks to the amazing Team Ellen at Hospice of Mercy in Hiawatha, IA with special gratitude and affection to Karen Akar, RN whose exceptional care and love infused the last chapter of Mom's life with incomparable joy and tenderness. In lieu of a funeral, Ellen's family is planning a private family celebration to commemorate her extraordinary life. They invite you to donate to the Humane Educational Society, the McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga, TN or the deserving charity of your choice.