Barbara Armstrong, 90

Barbara Pope Armstrong was born on Dec. 24, 1934, in Miles City and passed away on Feb. 17, 2025, in Kalispell.

She spent most of her childhood in Terry, Montana, with her mother and father, Esther and Clarence Pope, and had fond memories of her childhood. They later moved to Miles City where she graduated high school. Shortly following, she met James (Jim) Clark. He was a big flirt and would frequent the restaurant she worked to interact with her. One day he kept moving his coffee cup around playfully while she attempted to refill it. Not one to be outwitted, she simply poured in the cup’s original location. He was delighted with her response and asked her out. She accepted, and they eventually married in 1953. A year later, daughter Jami was born; two years following, daughter Janna was born; four years later, daughter Marri was born; three years later, daughter Julie was born, completing the family of six. 

The family moved to Billings and joined the Billings Saddle Club and began competing. Barbara participated in the races and loved sharing the story of a race in which she was pulled behind a horse, while seated on a cowhide. It was a wild race and Barbara and her partner took first place. Tragedy struck when Jim was killed in 1968 at the age of 35, leaving Barbara at the helm with four daughters and a bunch of animals. Being the strong woman that she was, Barbara made the decision to relocate to Whitefish. Barbara found a house with land in Whitefish.

In the late ’80s, while working at a grocery store, Barbara met C.S. “Butch” Armstrong. She prepared her famous “Hamburger Pie Casserole” and shortly after, Butch proposed. Once wedded, they created a happy, blended family and lived in the Flathead Valley for the next 30 years, hosting parties for loved ones, in addition to looking after their beloved grandchildren.  

Barbara was a wonderful cook, baker, and quilter, who couldn't pass on a deal at a garage sale. She made an incredible huckleberry cream pie, amongst other meals and treats, which the family continues to use. Barbara was generous with her time and skills and will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Barbara leaves behind, the following: daughters Jami Clark of Billings, Janna (Mitch) Weldele of Whitefish, Marri Clark of Kalispell, and Julia (Loren) Webster of Clarkston, Michigan; beloved grandchildren (who fondly referred to her as “Dear Sweet Grandma”): PJ, Aubrey, Erin, Courtney, Amber, Angela, Brianne, Chris, Jade, Jodi, Jimmi, Shawna, Robbie, Brittany, Alison, Kalin and Shaye; 26 great-grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Doloris Wendt and Linda Max; brother-in-law: Bob Clark; and nieces and nephews whom she adored.

She was preceded in death by two husbands, Jim Clark and Butch Armstrong; sisters Gloria Miller and Wilma Beckman; four grandchildren: Erin and Courtney Timmons, Jimmi Webster, and Angela Weldele.

She had been in hospice care for several months and grew fond of the hospice staff. A special thanks to Logan Health Hospice and nurse Jess.

A celebration of life will be scheduled for this summer.

Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.