All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Lois Virginia Knepp Armstrong

Lois Virginia Knepp Armstrong, 93, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2020, at her home in French Creek, W.Va. 

She was born in Upshur County on July 25, 1926, to the late John E. and Ella V. Pill Knepp. Lois graduated from Upshur County High School in 1944, and from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Clarksburg in 1947.

On April 9, 1955, she married WV State Trooper French W. Armstrong. Following his career, they were stationed in Elkins, Franklin, Keyser, Charleston and Beckley. They retired in 1981, to their farm in French Creek. 

In addition to her parents Lois was preceded in death by her son Thomas Mark Armstrong, her grandson Mark Anthony Galeazzi, her sister Betty Jean Skidmore and her brother John E. “Jack” Knepp.

She is survived by her husband French Armstrong, son John Lee Armstrong, daughter Rebecca Galeazzi, and grandchildren: Alexandra, Stephanie and Hunter Armstrong; and two sisters: Rosemary Morrison of Unionville, Ohio and Grace Parker of Naples, Fla.

Lois was a lifelong volunteer known for her commitment and service to her faith and community.  She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, Rock Cave Aletha Chapter #82 Order of the Eastern Star, WV Farm Bureau, WV Christmas Tree Growers and Extension Homemakers. 

She supported her children and many others in their endeavors in 4-H, Scouting, Sports and music.  Lois loved to cook, bake, craft and sew.  She was a true naturalist and her knowledge of agriculture was astounding.  She liked to “play in dirt” and raised nearly everything her family ate.  She made beautiful floral arrangements and Christmas wreaths. 

Lois was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and her motto was “don’t quit.”

Friends will be received at the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, from 5-7 p.m. with the Rock Cave Aletha Chapter #82 Order of the Eastern Star having services at 6:45 p.m. 

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2020, at 1 p.m. at the funeral chapel.  Interment will follow in the French Creek Memorial Gardens.

Online condolences may be extended to the Armstrong family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. The Armstrong family has entrusted the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel with arrangements.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Football Bucs fall to Robert C. Byrd, 34-0; but still projected to make playoff field at No. 16

Buckhannon-Upshur was shut out 34-0 by Robert C. Byrd after gaining just 117 yards and struggling in the rain, yet remained projected at No. 16 in the WVSSAC playoff field.
WVWC Volleyball

Volleyball Lady ‘Cats win marathon outing against Glenville State, 3-2

West Virginia Wesleyan’s Lady Bobcats rallied to defeat Glenville State 3–2 in a five-set marathon, led by Bhrooke Axe’s 24 kills and Lacey Guthrie’s 31 assists to improve to 17–8 (9–4 MEC).

Wesleyan grad named West Virginia High School Art Teacher of the Year by WVAEA

Elaina DePetro, a 2018 West Virginia Wesleyan graduate and John Marshall High School art teacher, was named West Virginia Art Teacher of the Year by the West Virginia Art Education Association.

A new chapter begins in Buckhannon as Volume Bookshop & Studio brings books and tea to Main Street

From new and used books to British teas and shortbread, Volume Bookshop & Studio will hold its grand opening Monday in downtown Buckhannon. The new indie spot from Nicki Bentley-Colthart and Spike Nesmith also features a podcast studio, kids’ books, puzzles, vinyl and more.

Buckhannon Water Board Agenda: November 13, 2025

The Buckhannon Water Board will meet November 13, 2025, and this notice provides the meeting agenda.

Football Bucs to visit RCB Friday with playoff berths on the line for both teams

Buckhannon-Upshur (2-7) visits Robert C. Byrd (4-5) Friday with both teams fighting for playoff spots, as Bucs quarterback Dawson Tenney aims for 1,000 rushing yards after last week’s 60-57 thriller.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 11: B-U marches towards a playoff spot

Buckhannon-Upshur sits 16th in Class AAAA SSAC and looks likely for a playoff spot as the Bucs head into a winnable Week 11 game, while local picks contest standings and college matchups draw heated fan reactions.

Mountain CAP Family Support Center to sponsor Free Family Bowling Night on Nov. 19

Mountain CAP Family Support Center will host a free Family Bowling Night with games and shoe rental on November 19 from 5–10 p.m. at Woody’s Bowling Center.

Apply now: Upshur County CEOS seek 2026 Junior Belle

Upshur County CEOS seek third- or fourth-grade 4-H applicants for the 2026 Junior Belle, who will represent the county and attend the WV State Folk Festival, with applications due Jan. 5, 2026.

Soccer ‘Cats end year with 2-1 victory over Davis & Elkins

West Virginia Wesleyan closed its 2025 season with a 2–1 win over Davis & Elkins, keyed by goals from Chris Gonzalez and Blair Sinclair and crucial saves from goalkeeper Matteo Marciani.

Wesleyan women upset by Senators 1-0 in regular-season finale; knocked out of MEC Tournament

Wesleyan’s women were eliminated from the MEC Tournament after falling 1–0 to Davis & Elkins in the regular-season finale despite outshooting the Senators and pressuring late.

Sikara Sokel’s solo exhibition ‘Luminescence’ opens Nov. 7 with opening reception at CAC Gallery in Buckhannon

The Colonial Arts Center’s CAC Gallery will host “Luminescence,” a solo exhibition of painter Sikara Sokel from Nov. 7 to Dec. 13, 2025, with a free opening reception and artist talk on Nov. 7.