Obituary for Artis Kirkpatrick
Mon, 06/26/2023 - 1:24pm
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Artis ‘Artie’ M. Kirkpatrick was born the eldest of three children on March 19th, 1925, to parents Willard and Lula (Pickrell) Bowen. Artie passed away peacefully on the morning of June 13th, 2023.
She grew up in Waco, NE during the great depression. Though it may have been a difficult time, she only spoke fondly of her years with her family and her trips and adventures with her girlfriends and sisters.
While working as a phone operator in 1956 Artie met her love, Tom Kirkpatrick and they married on December 7th, 1957. Tom and Artie made their home on a farm near Bradshaw, NE until, along with Tom’s brothers, they purchased a second farm in 1967 in Oklee, MN, and took up residence there with their two sons Mark and Mike.
In 1983 they retired to their dream home in Cody, WY where they quickly became beloved members of their community. They lived out the next 22 years joyfully together until Tom passed away in 2004.
Artie had a full and active life in retirement. She spent her early years in Cody volunteering at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West Museum. She was a member of a bowling league and the Cody Newcomers Club. She enjoyed her regular visits from the Avon Lady and the Schwan’s Man and always had an adored Chihuahua by her side. Most mornings Artie could be found enjoying a cake donut at Daylight’s and she never missed a Sunday breakfast at Granny’s.
Artie lived with kindness and carried herself with patience and grace, but this did not deter her strength. She volunteered with the USO during WWII, she was a breast cancer survivor, and even through the loss of her husband, she remained positive with a zest for life. Her generosity was known to many as whenever given the opportunity to support a cause she did so enthusiastically.
Artie was an incredible Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Mother-in-Law, Neighbor, and Friend. Artie was a light and a blessing to all who crossed her path – she was adored by many and an inspiration to all.
Artie was preceded in death by her cherished husband: Thomas Kirkpatrick; Parents: Willard and Lula Pickrell Bowen; Sisters: Doris (Roy) Price and Jean (Bob) Pittman. She is survived by sons: Mark (Cathy) Kirkpatrick and Mike (Becky) Kirkpatrick; 7 grandchildren: Kelsey, Fawn, Colt, Cory, Naomi, Michel, Kelli; 4 great-grandchildren and honorary family: Bob, Joan, Daniel, Ashli, Adam Nickola.
A private memorial will be held on July 22nd for close family and friends.
In her memory, donations may be made to your local animal shelter.
