age of 86. She was born in Mesa, AZ to Alice Morgan Spilsbury and Lester Dean Spilsbury.
In 1955, she married Rudy Armstrong of Houston, TX. She and Rudy had three children of their own and
fostered or mentored many others throughout their marriage. In 1979, her husband Rudy was tragically
taken from her and she remained a widow for the last 40 years of her life.
Ann studied art from a young age and quickly determined it would be her life’s work. She attended the
Kansas City Art Institute where she developed a love for sculpture. Throughout her career as an artist,
she created commissioned work in clay, cement and bronze that has travelled throughout the world.
Her sculptures are as far away as Jerusalem, Scotland and Venezuela and can be seen all over the United
States in both private collections and as public art. Ann’s Texas public works are displayed at the
Vineyard Church of Houston, The Houston Zoo, M.D. Anderson, The Houston Public Library Acres Home
Branch, and the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History and many others. Painting took a more
prominent place in her work in later years, when heavy sculpture materials became more difficult to
manage—though it must be said she just completed her last sculpture in January 2019. Her studio
stands today with dozens of paintings waiting for her final touch.
Ann would say that her most important work in life was any work she did to glorify God. While her art
was one part of this calling, her whole life was dedicated to living for the benefit of others. She gave of
her time and resources constantly and tirelessly throughout her life. Forty years ago, she became a
member of the Vineyard Church of Houston (previously known as Church in the City) where she led bible
studies, served on prayer teams, taught art workshops and contributed master works of art. She will be
missed by the entire church community, and her influence there will last for generations.
Ann Armstrong is survived by her three children along with their spouses, (who she loved as much as her
own children); eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild. She is also survived by a younger sister
and brother and two sisters-in-law. There are also many extended family members—who might know
her as Ann, Annie or Aunt Annie—who will deeply miss her and look forward to being reunited with her
when the time comes.
In a tribute, her grandson by marriage, wrote this:
“She was an emblem of strength, love, hospitality and sincere faith.
O Christ, give rest with the saints to the soul of your servant, Ann, where there is neither
sickness, sorrow nor sighing, but Life Everlasting, and make her memory to be eternal.”
A memorial Service for Ann will take place on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 2:30 pm at the Vineyard
Church of Houston. 1035 E. 11th Street, Houston, TX 77009.
In lieu of flowers – Donations may be made to one of the following charities:
Homes with Hope – Houston TX – www.homeswithhope.org ,
A Second Cup – Houston, TX – www.a2ndcup.com ,
HIM Food Pantry – Houston, TX – www.himfoodpantry.org
Reconciliation Services – Kansas City, MO - www.rs3101.org
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