Kathleen "Kitty" Armstrong

BRIDGEWATER – Kathleen “Kitty” (Funkhouser) Armstrong, 96, formerly of Churchville, passed away Saturday (August 1, 2026) at her residence in the Bridgewater Retirement Community.

Born September 20, 1929 in McGaheysville, she was a daughter of the late Aldine M. and Grace (Cline) Funkhouser.

Kitty earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art from James Madison University, and was an art teacher for Augusta County Schools for many years. She was remarkably skilled in many art forms, particularly enjoying painting, wool-dyeing and pottery. Her creative bent also found expression in other realms, including flower-gardening, volunteering at the Frontier Culture Museum, and even (to her delight) welding! Other favorite pastimes encompassed reading, genealogy, and traveling with her beloved “Satch.” She was a member and elder of Loch Willow Presbyterian Church, a member and regent of Daughters of the American Revolution, and a member of the Augusta County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

On August 4, 1951, she married Harold W. Armstrong, who preceded her in death in 2019. She was also preceded in death by sisters Betty Jo Martin and Janet Sonifrank, and grandson Adam Haines.

Surviving are three children, Susan Thacker (husband Tom) of Weyers Cave, Fred Armstrong (wife Carol) of Monterey, and Gracie Haines (husband Chris Covert) of Smith Mountain Lake; sister Grace Ann Florence (husband Bill) of Bridgewater; brother-in-law Ed Sonifrank of Bridgewater; grandchildren Kate Anderson, Drew Thacker, Rebekah Armstrong, Bethany Gail, Skylar Haines and Ivy Haines; great-grandchildren Natalie Anderson, Jack Anderson, Ku’uipo Robbins, Aurélia Robbins and Oskar Robbins; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Following a private burial in Green Hill Cemetery, a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11 in Loch Willow Presbyterian Church, officiated by her niece, Rev. Lisa Mullen. At the conclusion of the service, friends will be welcomed to visit with the family at a reception in the church fellowship hall.

Bear Funeral Home is serving the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at bearfuneralhome.com.