Vivian E. Armstrong

Vivian E. Armstrong was born on a small farm near Solomon, Kan., in 1928. She was the youngest of three children born to Charles and Nina Herman. Vivian was very close to her older sister Frances and oldest brother Earl. As adults whenever Vivian would get back together with big sister Frances, it caused an erupting of positive emotions — unending giggling, funny lines, laughing and smiling! Together they created and shared continuous mirth and happiness.
Her older brother Earl was loving, positive and protective of her and her sister. So much so that in Vivian’s final few days she began calling all of the people she loved “Earl.”
Vivian grew up on the family farm during the Depression and then worked her way through late high school and a year of college where she met her life mate, Lewis R. “Doc” Armstrong. They were married 74 years ago in 1948 and her husband Lewis, at 96 years old, survives. She is also survived by her son Brad Armstrong, daughter Bettina Armstrong and son-in-law Claude Rosenthal, granddaughter, Julia Rosenthal, grandson Alex Armstrong Rosenthal and wife Mari Gilmore and her great grandchild Petra Rosenthal. All are healthy and thriving.
Vivian was vivacious. Early in her marriage, she practiced for the Pancake Day Race by running, while pushing with her left hand little Bettina’s baby carriage and simultaneously flipping the pancake in her skillet with her right hand. She placed in the Pancake Day Race winning the prize of a bag of flour which was a valuable increase to the family stores in those early lean times.
Vivian was resourceful and talented. When her children were young she sewed their clothes and award winning Halloween costumes in addition to an occasional wedding dress alteration. She also grew a garden and her children would take their little red wagon full of vegetables, colored corn and pumpkins around the neighborhood to sell to the neighbors.
Vivian was an excellent cook. Frequently calling herself the “Casserole Queen” her oven was busy. When her oven wasn’t hot, her slow cooker filled her house with wonderful smells all day long.
With her children in school, she went to work as a secretary for an oil company. By doing the paperwork, she absorbed the legal necessities and skills of the “Landman” profession, the professional who oil companies employ when they want to do exploratory drilling. The Landman goes to the courthouse and finds out who owns the desired mineral/land rights, then meets with the rights owners and negotiates drilling leases. With her knowledge acquired as a secretary, she went out on her own and became a successful independent Landman in 1974. She may well have been the first woman in this profession. Her work ethic, attention to detail and excellent social skills made her a success. She was a leader for women entering this profession.
Vivian toured the world, visiting China, Vietnam, Australia, many European countries by land and riverboat, and all around the United States often by bus. She was always so naturally kind and helpful to everyone that the tour operators gave her discounts and sometimes even free tours because they knew she was popular and helpful to have along.
Vivian was an early member of a women’s investment club in Liberal, the Pennywatchers. She was also an active member in the local Desk and Derrick organization for many years.
Vivian loved playing golf and once shot a hole-in-one on Liberal’s municipal golf course.
Vivian had a lifelong enthusiasm for playing bridge from which she still has many good friends.
Vivian was a lovely person: Kind, True and Brave. Her family and friends are so proud of her.
Even though she was gracefully ready to go, she is, and forever will be, dearly missed.

Cards to the family can be addressed to Lewis Armstrong, Good Samaritan Society, 2060 Zinnia Lane, Room A14, Liberal, Kansas 67901.

A celebration of Vivian’s life is currently planned for 2pm September 10 at the Liberal Kansas Senior Center.
Memorial donations are suggested to Good Samaritan Society of Liberal, Kan., or the Liberal