Cleo Lee Artz

CLEO LEE ARTZ Memorial services for Lewis, Colo. resident Cleo Lee Artz will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 24 at the Highway Church of Christ. Cleo was born June 29, 1923 in Tribune, Kan. the daughter of Lee and Martha Clarice (Groomer) Sweany. She passed away on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at Vista Grande Inn at the age of 88. Cleo graduated from Washburn University in Topeka, Kan. where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Cleo then went on to teach for 30 years, working in both elementary and high school. On January 18, 1946, Cleo married Everett Vernon Artz in Syracuse, Kan. Cleo lived for many years in the Rifle and Silt area in Colorado. She was active in her community having been a Past Worthy Matron in the Order of Eastern Star in Rifle. Cleo spent much time volunteering at the Senior Center and the Veteran's Nursing Home, both in Rifle; and she also shared her time at Manaugh Elementary School in Cortez. Gardening was a passion for Cleo. She grew amazing strawberries and rhubarb and her roses were gorgeous. Cleo was known for her perfectly manicured yard. Surviving Cleo are her children, Pamela K. Gaasch and husband, Kim of Lewis, David Eugene Artz and wife, Terri of Colorado Springs, Colo., and James Vernon Artz and wife, Gail of Oak Creek, Colo.; and her grandchildren, Amanda Higgins and husband, Allen of Lewis, Geana Gaasch of Grand Junction, Colo., Jared Gaasch and wife, Lindsey of Cortez, Everett Artz of Colorado Springs, Colo., Katie Artz of Colorado Springs, Colo., and James Artz and wife, Megan of Massachusetts. Cleo also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Ryder and Makaya Higgins of Lewis, Kooper Gaasch of Cortez, and JD, Jacob and Maddie Artz all of Massachusetts; and her sister, June of California. Cleo was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband, Everett Artz; by her granddaughter, Melissa Artz; and by numerous brothers and sisters. Memorial contributions may be made in Cleo Artz' name to the Alzheimer Research Foundation.