Myrtle Cooper Armstrong

Myrtle Cooper Armstrong, age 100, passed away in July 2025 in Sun City West, Arizona. Born in March of 1925, to Paul F. Cooper and Myrtle V. Cooper, she was raised in Aurora, Illinois. Myrtle was an adventurous and gifted student, skipping ahead two grades and excelling in Latin. She graduated from East Aurora High School and continued her education at Aurora College, now known as Aurora University.

Myrtle advanced to become the three-county Manager of the Illinois State Employment Security Division, retiring after 37 years of dedicated service. Alongside her husband, Arnold D. Armstrong, a regional contractor and land developer, Myrtle embraced a life of travel and adventure. They sold their home in Blackberry Woods, Sugar Grove, Illinois, and embarked on 20 years of world travels and motor homing between their residences in Canada, Arizona, and Puerto Vallarta, México.

Myrtle was preceded in death by her son Arnold Dennis Armstrong Jr. of Georgia. Myrtle is survived by her son, Dr. Keith Bradford Armstrong of Arizona. She cherished her grandsons: Arnold Dennis Armstrong III, with his wife Kassona; Keith Bradford Armstrong, with his wife Jacky; Kenneth Armstrong, with his partner Brenda Farley; and Aaron Todd Cox. Her dear great-grandchildren include Jayden Jeffrey Cox, Keith Anthony Armstrong, Tyrin Niles Armstrong, Desirae’ Danielle Benton, and Chase Christian Armstrong. Myrtle also had a special place in her heart for Betty Lou (Armstrong) Anderson, John Anderson, and their two wonderful children, Tamara and Terry, as well as Linda D. Armstrong.

Myrtle was preceded in death by her two brothers, Paul and William Cooper, and her half-brother, Praether Cooper. Special thanks are extended to Cheryl and Greg Uhle for recommending the vigilant and loving presence of the Hospice of the Valley for Myrtle. Her closest friends and caregivers included Daniel and Teresa Meyers, Pam McManus and Morriah McDonald, Jerry and Vivian Butler, Doris Leganski and Joe Coco, Lupe Limon, Christina Navarrette, Maria and Jasmine Herrera Cuevas, Gary and Barb Bishman, Sheyla and Marty Westenburg, Claira Kennedy, Dan Minton, and Dan and Anna Hubert. Jenny Bishman, a dear friend, preceded her in death.

Myrtle was a kind-hearted and generous soul who loved family, games of chance, fine wines, and endless travel. She was also deeply involved in her community, serving as the secretary of St. John’s AME church for many years. Her life was an inspiration to many, marked by resilience, selflessness, wisdom, and thoughtful devotion. Her celebration of life is planned for September 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

May we all pray for Myrtle’s safe journey home.