Gracie M. Rowell Armstrong

March 6, 1932 – September 7, 2014

Gracie was born in Stratford, Oklahoma to John and Addie Ozell (Bryson) Rowell.

Gracie graduated from High School in Dinuba, California. After graduating from Three C’s Business College, Gracie worked for the State Department in Washington DC, Hong Kong, Japan and Germany. While in Germany she met and married Richard H. (Dick) Armstrong. While living in Berlin, Gracie had two children, Deborah L., and Richard C.. In 1962, the Armstrongs returned to the States and lived in San Antonio for several years until Dick retired from the Army. Gracie worked as a secretary wherever she lived, from San Antonio to Wisconsin, New Mexico and finally here in Portland.

Gracie was a 54 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She served as Worthy Matron in three separate chapters, Alamo Heights (San Antonio, Texas), Gresham #117 (Gresham, Oregon) and Parkrose #151 (Portland, Oregon). She also served as Grand Representative of Massachusetts in Oregon as well as on several committees. She was elected Grand Secretary in 1997 and served for seven years. She was given the title of Grand Secretary Emeritus in 2004.

Some of Gracie’s interests included reading, knitting, crocheting, sewing, traveling, and visiting with her friends.

Her favorite things were owls, irises and snowmen. She loved listening to her books on tape and taking long rides with daughter Debbie. She loved the coast and squishing the sand with her toes .Gracie was raised Nazarene but later attended the Lutheran Church. She had a quiet faith and had attended Greater Grace Lutheran Church when her health permitted. Her favorite scriptures were Psalms 23, Psalms 3:5-6, John 3:16 and John 14:6. Her favorite hymn with “This is My Father’s World”.

Gracie died quietly in her sleep and will be mourned by daughter Deborah, son Richard, daughter-in-law E’Laine, grandson River, sister Delores Reynolds, brother Royce Rowell and a myriad of friends.

There will be a memorial service on Monday, September 15, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Lent’s Masonic Hall located at 5811 SE 92nd Ave. (at Foster Rd.) in Portland, Oregon.