DrexEllen “Drex” Armstrong, 71, of Rochester, passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at Memorial Medical Center.

Drex was born on October 19, 1945, in Harrisburg, the daughter of Carl Drexel and Mary Ellen (Johns) Beggs.  She married David Armstrong on May 4, 1974 in Harrisburg.

She graduated from U of I in 1967, received her Master’s in 1968 from SIUC, taught school in Paxton, IL for 5 years and was the President of the Local Teachers Union. While teaching, she received a call over the school's PA system, "Miss Beggs, the governor’s office is on the phone for you." She was asked to be the First Executive Director of the Illinois State Labor Relations Board. After that she worked as Personnel Officer at Madden Mental Health Center in Oak Park. Drex was a member of the Women’s Political Caucus and was a Republican Committee Woman for Oak Park Township. Back in Springfield, she was the Associate Deputy Director for Personnel and Finance at the Department of Mental Health. She also served on the Rochester Library Board.

Drex was the “First Lady of Rochester” (mayor’s wife).  She was an antique dealer, enjoyed crossword puzzles and loved to cook and was good at it. She was known for throwing great New Year’s Eve Parties and hosting competitive games of Trivial Pursuit. Drex enjoyed U of I Illini and Rochester Rockets sports, the Chicago Bears, and Green Bay Packers. Her husband often joked that he was a sports widower.

She is survived by her husband, David Armstrong; daughter, Laura Ellen (Andy) Mitkos, of Chatham; brother, Sam (Mary Lynn) Beggs; two nieces, Katy (Javier) Beggs Sobrado, Ashton Beggs; and one nephew, Ben Beggs.

Visitation will be from 4-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester.  Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 20, 2017 at the funeral home with Reverend Tom Jones officiating.  Cremation will follow services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League.

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