Jeff Armstrong

Jeffrey Sands Armstrong, known to all as Jeff, passed away on October 14, 2025, in Spokane, Washington. He was born on December 1, 1949, in Frankfurt, Germany, to Clayton Campbell and Margaret Anne (Goodenow) Armstrong.

Jeff lived in Spokane Valley for the past three and a half years, following many meaningful years in Merced, California; Cedaredge, Colorado; and San Antonio, Texas.

After graduating high school, Jeff proudly served in the U.S. Army. His service took him across the world and through numerous operations, including the Vietnam War, the Gulf Wars, L.A. Riots, Operation Red Stop, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Phoenix Rising.

Following his military service, Jeff pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Physician Associate Studies from the University of Oklahoma in 1986 and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from California State University, Fresno, in 1975. His career as a Physician Assistant reflected his lifelong dedication to helping others-working in military medicine as well as in civilian clinics including Dos Palos Clinic and Mercy Merced Clinic in California, Delta Family Clinic, Delta County Jail, and Colorado State Prison in Colorado. After the COVID-19 pandemic, Jeff took on a new role, proudly serving as a Merced County Sheriff's Officer. He also worked at Coeur d'Alene Rifle and Pistol.

Jeff married Laurie Pratt on September 6, 1980, in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. They experienced a lifetime of memories together over 45 years of marriage.

Jeff had a gift for making people laugh with his quick wit, colorful stories, and warm humor. He enjoyed spending time fishing, rock hunting, gardening, and teaching others as an instructor at the Merced and Mariposa gun ranges. He loved building birdhouses and, most of all, cherished time with his grandchildren: Andrew Pinotti, Natasha Pinotti, Kayla Kensler, and Justice Armstrong.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Laurie Armstrong of Spokane Valley; daughter, Sarah Armstrong of Spokane Valley; four sisters, Sue Moroney of California, Kate Delgado of Maryland, Ellen Stewart of Florida, and Rebecca Beattie of California; four cherished grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and his brothers-in-law and close friends Bill Pratt, Mike Pratt, Joe Pratt, and Robert Delgado.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton Campbell and Margaret Anne Armstrong; grandparents, Willis and Mary Goodenow and Bruce and Gladys Armstrong; and his mother-in-law, Janice Epps.

A memorial service to celebrate Jeff's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Hennessey Valley Funeral Home, 1315 N. Pines Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99206.

Please share your memories of Jeff on his tribute wall.