Willard Paul Armstrong

The family of Willard Paul Armstrong (Paul) is deeply saddened to announce his passing. Paul completed his journey at his beloved home on Sunday July 19, 2026 at the age of 80, from natural causes.

Paul’s journey began in Great Bend, Kansas in 1945 and soon led him to Riverside, California where he would later graduate from Ramona High School in 1963. Paul was proud of the time he spent on both the Ramona High and Riverside City College Track Teams participating in both pole vaulting and high jump. Paul also attended Long Beach State graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. In 1969 while attending Sac State, where he was furthering his education in Archeology, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Paul spent 3 years at Rhein-Main Air Base in Frankfurt, Germany where he served as a Pharmacy Specialist and Staff Sergeant.

Paul eventually settled in Sutter Creek, California with his wife Jane Russell Armstrong and son Alex. He would live out the remainder of his journey here eventually re-marrying Loretta Jean Armstrong in 1977. Together they built a beautiful home and life surrounded by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his cherished dogs.

Paul enjoyed travel with his most recent trip being to Belize and Guatemala to visit the Mayan ruins. Paul stayed active in his 25 years of retirement from the North American Refractories lab in Ione. He enjoyed visiting his cabin with friends and family and participating in outdoor sports and activities. He enjoyed a weekly game of pool with his friends. An avid reader, he would often be found quietly reading or listening to a baseball game on his 1970’s Sony transistor radio while working in the yard.

Paul was not only the patriarch of the family but a wise “old soul” who listened far more than he spoke. For this he will be missed greatly by many as we learn to navigate life without the support and wisdom he provided us.

Paul is survived by his son Alex Armstrong of Sutter Creek; daughter Cheryl Lyons of Sutter Creek. Former wives and friends Jane Russell of Sutter Creek and Loretta Armstrong of Plymouth. Grandson Ryan Haas of Pioneer; granddaughter Paige Fry of Plymouth; granddaughter Megan Scott of Roseville and grandson Ethan Scott of Sutter Creek. He is also survived by his twelve adored great-grandchildren; as well as sisters Mirla Bernasconi of La Verne, California and Karen Klassen, El Dorado, Kansas and niece Carmen Dodge of Fort Irwin, California. Lastly, his cherished dog and companion Cali who remained faithfully by his side as he completed his journey.

Paul gave generously to the Archeological Institute of America, the American Cancer Society, the AARP Foundation, St. Jude’s and American Legion. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to one of the charities he supported.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday September 12 at Daneri Mortuary, 415 Broadway, Jackson, California with a gathering of friends and family to follow.