Barbara J. Armstrong, age 78 of Winchester and formerly of Elwood, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2015 at her home after an extended illness. She was born November 26, 1936 in Hartford City, the daughter of Eugene and Lois (Applegate) Smith. She was the director of the Randolph County United Way and retired in 2010. She also previously worked for the Delaware-Randolph-Madison County Small Business Development Corporation; served as the Executive Director of the Elwood Chamber of Commerce; owned and operated a retail framing and gift shop; and worked for the Elwood Call-Leader Newspaper for several years. Barbara was a 1955 graduate of Frankton High School, and later married "Jack" J. Armstrong on January 30, 1970. She was passionate about serving her community. Some of her contributions include serving on the Elwood City Zoning Board, the Chamber of Commerce, Meals on Wheels (founding member), Girl Scouts, Salvation Army, and the YMCA Board. She was the chairperson of the Elwood Glass Festival and helped organize the Chili Cook-off in Elwood for several years. She was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Winchester and a commissioner with the Anderson-Madison County Visitors and Convention Bureau. Barbara was active in Delta Theta Tau Philanthropic Sorority for over 50 years in Elwood, Winchester, and nationally. One of her greatest honors was serving as the National Editor for Delta's GRIT magazine. In her free time, Barbara enjoyed spending time with her Delta sisters, reading, crafting, computer games, traveling, and spending time with family.

Barbara's family includes, 4 children, Jeffery A. (wife Sheree) Weddell of Michigan, Kristie A. Weddell of Winchester, Bradley S. Weddell of Winchester, and Dr. Jeanne (husband Rex) Haller of Lebanon; sister, Beverly (husband Tom) Austin of Elwood; 2 brothers-in-law, Jerry (wife Nancy) Armstrong of West Des Moine, IA and James (wife Jane) Armstrong of Cedarburg, WI; 5 grandchildren, Robert (wife Tasha) Porter, Charlie (wife Alison) Porter, Drew Weddell, Patrick (wife Autumn) Weddell, and Collin Weddell; great-granddaughter, Cordelia Porter; and several nieces and nephews that she adored. She'll be remembered for saying, "Smile - God Loves You!"

She was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband Jackie J. "Jack" Armstrong who died July 17, 2007.

A funeral service celebrating Barbara's life will be conducted at 5:00 PM on Sunday, February 22, 2015 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Jenny Charles of the Elwood First United Methodist Church and her son, Jeff Weddell officiating. The funeral service will begin with a Delta Theta Tau Memorial Service. Burial will take place at a later date in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Elwood. Visitation for family and friends will be held 1 to 5 PM at the funeral home. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to your local United Way or giving back to your local community in some manner.