Calling Hours:
Friday, January 12, 2018, 1:00-2:00pm
Anderson Lounge, Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ
260 Main St., Greenville, PA
Funeral Service:
Friday, January 12, 2018, 2:00pm
Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ
260 Main St., Greenville, PA
Rev. June Boutwell, Interim Minster, officiating
Burial will be private in Shenango Valley Cemetery
Betty Lou “B. Lou” Artman, age 95, of Greenville, passed away Wednesday morning, January 10, 2018 in the Ridgewood at St. Paul's.
Miss Artman was born on April 23, 1922 in Greene Twp., to Harry H. and Kathryn E. (Seiple) Artman.
The 1939 Jamestown High School Alumna earned a Bachelor's degree in 1943 from Thiel College, a Master's degree in education in 1947 from University of Pittsburgh and post graduate study in Administration at both University of Pittsburgh and University of Penn State.
In 1943 she was hired as a teacher of English, History and Physical Science at Hickory High School. In 1989, she retired after 45 years with the Hermitage School District, the longest time of service to date.
Miss Artman achieved many firsts in her career and pioneered the positions to which she was named – guidance counselor, psychologist, director of special education and director of pupil and personnel services. She developed programs to address the needs of students with physical and mental disabilities and programs for academic gifted students.
At her retirement, the Artman Elementary School in the district was named for the long term educator and administrator. As a tribute for those whose lives have been touched by her humanitarianism the Betty Lou Artman Hermitage Education Foundation was established by her many friends in the school and community on February 10, 1989, the date of her retirement.
She had served on the Board of Directors of Thiel College Alumni Association and the Mercer County Advisory Committee to Thiel's Board of Trustees. In 1990 she was the recipient of the Thiel College Alumni Association Alumnus Citation for Professional Achievement.
A life long member of Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ, she held leadership roles in the Church's Clinical Pastoral Education Programs (teaching parish for seminarians), church renovation program from 1980-1983, debt elimination campaign and search committees for Pastors and Associate Pastors. On the national level, she served the United Church of Christ as a corporate director of Board of Homeland Ministries for twelve years, six of them on the Board's Executive Committee and as a Director on the Stewardship Council.
An ardent volunteer following retirement, Miss Artman served on the Board of Directors of Community Mental Health and Counseling, was a member of Mercer County Courts Juvenile Advisory Committee, Board of Directors St. Paul Homes Executive Committee and a volunteer of UPMC Horizon Hospital Auxiliary.
Miss Artman is survived by a sister, Mrs. Norman (Pat) Brooks and a special cousin, Carol (Ken) Neifert. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial contributions may be made to Betty Lou Artman Hermitage Education Foundation, 7 West State St., Sharon, PA 16146; St. Paul's, 339 E. Jamestown Rd., Greenville, PA 16125 or Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ, 260 Main St., Greenville, PA 16125.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Loutzenhiser-Jordan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 366-368 S. Main St., Greenville.
Our deepest sympathies in the loss of this wonderful lady.
Betty Lou Artman was a pioneer and influential community educator. Her legacy within the Hermitage School District will always be remembered and cherished. The Artman Foundation that bears her name has been an important and charitable fund that has assisted hundreds of students over its years in existence. Without this fund, many students would not have received the basic necessities that many of us take for granted. Hickory High School expresses their deepest sympathies and highest gratitude for the influence of Betty Lou Artman.
It was a privilege to call B. Lou “friend”. I will miss seeing her in church. What a gracious, intelligent woman. Sorry I will not be attending the funeral.
B. Lou… one of the finest human beings I have ever known…She lead a full bodied life that most of us would envy and her accomplishments were mind staggering….May she rest in peace…from one of her biggest fans.
Dear Carol, Ken, Robert and family, Tim, and all of BLou’s family and friends, sending you sincere condolences and love at this time. What a dedicated, loving person who truly made the most of her incredible life and touched so many. I am blessed and honored that I got to spend time with her and get to know her for some years. She is a bright star who I will always remember. Lots of love.