Hope was born and raised in Iowa. She attended the University of Iowa and eventually graduated from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, after marrying her husband, Vern Armstrong. The couple moved to Pierre in 1986, establishing Armstrong Farms. Hope graduated with a degree in Elementary and Middle School Education, obtaining a teaching job with Pierre Public Schools. She taugh in the district for 34 years. Having recently retired and adjusting to the passing of Vern, Hope wanted to return to the family business founded by Vern. She assists with data entry, walk-ins, and phone calls.