Debbie Armstrong

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Deborah Lynne Armstrong, age 69, of Des Moines, Iowa, who passed away on September 17th, 2026.

Debbie was born in May 1957. She graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1975 and from Simpson College in 1979. Throughout her life, Debbie lived in several places, including Altoona, Colorado, and California, before returning home to Des Moines.

Debbie was a kind-hearted soul who embraced life with curiosity, energy, and a wonderful sense of adventure. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, gardening, tent camping, and SCUBA diving. She was happiest when she was active and exploring, whether spending time in nature, enjoying an adventure, or simply relaxing with a good book.

An avid team sports enthusiast, Debbie loved playing flag football until a knee injury forced her to give it up. She also enjoyed playing softball. She had a particular love for dancing, especially tap dancing, which brought her great joy.

Debbie’s creative side was reflected in her love of needlepoint and gardening, and she was an enthusiastic reader. But perhaps one of her greatest loves in life was her dogs. She dearly loved every one of them and considered them cherished members of the family.

Family held a special place in Debbie’s heart. She fiercely loved her nieces and nephews and delighted in spoiling them whenever she could. Her generosity, affection, and devotion to them created memories that they will carry with them throughout their lives. Debbie’s kindness extended well beyond her immediate family, and she will be remembered by many for her warm heart and caring spirit.

Debbie will be lovingly remembered by her partner, Denise Glenn; her sister, Gwendolyn Johnston; and her brother, Gregory (Deana) Armstrong. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews; Angela (Jason) Handy, Jennifer (Shawn) Shelley, Ashley (Max) Zander, Adam Johnston, Brittany Armstrong, Sarah Armstrong, and Rachel Armstrong. Great-nephew: Marshall Padilla; Great-niece: Aliyah Shelley, Syanne and Kherra Handy

Her extended family included James Allen Glenn III and Jason Aaron Glenn along with many other relatives and friends.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents; Rev. Gerald T. Armstrong and Phyllis Rae Armstrong; her partner, Ann Brierton; her sister, Elizabeth Armstrong; her brother-in-law, Steven Johnston; nephew, Nicholas Armstrong; and great-nephew, Adrian Vega.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home-Winterset Chapel. Burial will follow at the Winterset Cemetery in Winterset, Iowa. 

Memorials may be directed to the family for a future designation.