Noralee "Sparky" Strickland Armstrong

Noralee Strickland Armstrong, 81, affectionately known to her family and friends as Sparky, passed into the arms of her Savior on Monday, November 3, 2025. She was surrounded by her loved ones singing "Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling", the same song from her mother's funeral, which seemed like a nod from Heaven that she had safely arrived.

Sparky was born in Provo, Utah, on July 26, 1944, the second of 2 daughters to O. Joseph Strickland and Catherine Pardoe. She often spoke of her favorite childhood memories in the Provo home of her grandparents, T. Earl and Kathryn Pardoe. Sparky showed immense artistic talent from a very young age. She taught herself to play the piano, had perfect pitch, and could sit down and play anything without having to look at sheet music. She frequently shared that talent in church and for many family gatherings. She was also a gifted artist, and painted many beautiful pictures. Her creative talents also lent themselves to an early career of hairdressing, with a salon in the basement of her Salt Lake City home, and many clients who valued her hairstyling talent.

Sparky married her eternal sweetheart, Blair Armstrong, in 1975, creating a blended family of her 2 daughters (Nicole and Danielle), his son and daughter (Trent and Jill), and adding 3 more children (Ben, Elizabeth and Mandy). Sparky's biggest passion was being a stay at home Mom, and later in life, a Nana to her many beloved grandchildren. She loved singing, reading, playing the piano, classical music, movie musicals, anything chocolate, cooking, and art, while filling the house with her love, prayers, and laughter. She had an especially beautiful testimony of her Savior, and her constant "attitude of gratitude" reflected that testimony. Her first question was always "How are you doing today?", even on days when she did not feel well herself. Her tender hugs, beautiful smile, and infectious laugh will be missed by so many.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 14, 2025 at the LDS Stake Center, 650 East 3200 North in Lehi, Utah, with a viewing from 9:30-10:30 a.m., family prayer at 10:30 a.m., and funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Immediately following the service, burial will take place at the Lehi Cemetery.

Friends and family are welcome to return for lunch at the Stake Center following the burial service, where there will be an open time for sharing favorite memories about Sparky, and celebrating her life.