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W. Ellis Armstrong, beloved guitar and violin teacher to countless Albuquerqueans passed over October 17, 2008 at the grand age of 96. Besides teaching at Hoffmantown (and other locations in New Mexico and California), he composed, arranged, and published many solos for violin, guitar--both plectrum and classical--and steel guitar. In all, he taught music for 53 years. Born in 1912 in Pennsylvania, his family moved to Denver in 1918 due to his mother's tuberculosis. He was concert master of his junior high and high school orchestras and also attended the Denver College of Music. He worked as an usher at the Paramount Theater and when he was 23, secured a teaching job with the National Institute of Music and Arts in Los Angeles, teaching violin in six towns in the San Joaquin Valley. In Visalia, Ellis met the love of his life, Ruth Oleta Wyly, wooing her with his brand new 1939 fire-engine red Dodge and his natural charm. They moved to Albuquerque in 1943. They were married for nearly 52 years and raised three children, Diana of Moscow, ID, John of Sacramento, CA, and Margaret of Santa Fe. Also surviving are John's wife, Kimi; grandchildren Judd Boone (wife Ingrid), Evan Boone (wife Jen), Satomi Armstrong, and Bryan Armstrong; and great-grandchildren Anna Boone. Preceding Ellis in death was Ruth (1993) and brother Murl in Denver (1973.) In 1959, Ruth and Ellis bought an abandoned adobe house in Corrales bosque (at this time, banks would not loan money on property there.) Over the decades, they graciously shared their home for Chamber of Commerce picnics, political and community meetings, movie industry parties, and countless friend and family reunions and celebrations. Whether guests numbered two or 200, Ruth and Ellis always made them feel at home. Ellis loved to play tennis as a young man, was an avid stream fisherman (especially in the Jemez), and took up golf at the age of 50. For many years, he was a member of the Westerners and served in many capacities. Throughout his life, he passionately pursued scenic photography and provided many photos for Ruth's historical and travel writings. Together they loved traveling, bird-watching, hiking, and always had at least one dog and two cats. Friends will recall that in his later years, he enjoyed reminiscing about his two summers spent on a Wyoming ranch as a teenager. Ellis will long be remembered for his devotion to family, frisky sense of humor, stories, positive attitude, and gentle nature. He never said a negative word about anyone. Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2008 at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church on Old Church Rd., in Corrales at 3:00.
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