Shirley Anne Armstrong (Ferrick)

MADISON - Shirley Anne Armstrong (Ferrick), age 92, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, after a brief illness.

Annie, as she was affectionately known by all, was truly a person who loved life and greeted everyone she met with a smile. Born and raised in Norfolk, Va., she maintained her southern accent throughout her life and would quietly poke fun at the "Midwestern accent" she found hard to bear.

Annie loved people and delighted in making them feel comfortable in her presence. She was a true believer in building strong relationships through kindness and respect, and she was always looking for the good in those around her. She was an incredibly hard worker and proud to have worked into her late 80s at Ho-Chunk Casino, where she was often asked to sing "Happy Birthday" to patrons and where she'd counsel young people who won at the slot machines to take their winnings and never come back. Her impact on the people she met there was evident wherever she went in public as people she had met at the casino would remember her name and warmly greet her.

If you ever wanted to find Annie's heart, all you had to do was listen- singing was her favorite thing in the world, whether she was serenading a casino patron, making up a new tune to express her thoughts, or leading the family in a song at a gathering. Pete Leidy, a family friend, often fed her love for music by serenading her with songs she loved at birthdays and other holiday events.

Her greatest love, though, was her family and especially her children and grandchildren. Her two grandchildren, Jordan and Jackson, were her treasures and she delighted in hearing about their lives and adventures. Her face would light up at family gatherings, or whenever someone stopped by just to sit with her and let her tease them about their Wisconsin accents. She cherished her siblings and took joy in her many nieces and nephews. Annie was able to stay in her home with the assistance of a good friend, Julie Borchert.

Annie was preceded in death by her first husband, Michael Ferrick; son Rick Ferrick; second husband, Bryant “Sonny” Armstrong; and daughter in-law, Linda Johnson. She is survived by her son, John Ferrick; grandchildren, Jordan and Jackson Ferrick; and brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Claudia Addison.

The family will hold a private ceremony but please know that her friends were so important to her and that keeping her in your memories is what she would truly treasure.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420