Roy E. Artz, 92

June 18, 2018

Roy E. Artz, 92, formerly of Holtwood, passed away at Lakeside at Willow Valley on Monday, June 18, 2018. Born in Spring Glen, Schuylkill County, Roy was the son of the late Roy E. and Tillie S. Artz. He was the husband of Rebecca (Bunting) Artz for 69 years.

Roy began his studies at Stevens Trade School, enlisted in the US Navy and served onboard the Submarine USS Rock as a Motor Machinist Mate 3rd Class during WWII in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre and then returned to Stevens and graduated in 1947 from the carpentry department. He worked as a carpenter for the former Smithgall Construction and then owned and operated Conestoga Fuels, Inc.

A member of the Optimist Club of Lancaster, Roy was named Optimist of the Year in1967. As an alumnus, he remained actively connected with Stevens Trade School through the years—including serving as trustee of the Thaddeus Stevens Endowment Fund for 15 years. He was also a member of the Lancaster Elks Lodge and the Conestoga Country Club–where he enjoyed the camaraderie of good friends for many years.

Roy was a man of great integrity, character, and common sense. He could always be trusted to honor his word and had little tolerance for those who didn’t. His children will always be grateful for the fine examples he set for them.

After moving to Holtwood, PA in 1979, Roy enjoyed tending his farm and woodland property with the companionship of his beloved dogs.

The Artz family is thankful for the excellent care provided by the staff at Lakeside at Willow Valley—especially by Roy’s niece, nurse Bonnie Leed.

In addition to his wife Becky, Roy is survived by his son Theodore A. Artz, husband of Diane S. Zatz and father of Zoë B. Artz, wife of Dave Strunk, and Petra R. Artz, partner to Charlie Baranowski; his daughter Patricia L. Artz, wife of Kipling Hull and son Matthew Shinton, husband of Cheryl; grandchildren Breck and Melissa Artz; his sister Eleanor Morgan, wife of Glenn; sister-in-law Judy Artz. Roy was preceded in death by his son David R. Artz, his sister Geraldine Spangler and his brother Richard Artz.

A family memorial service and interment will be private as per Roy’s wishes. Contributions may be made in Roy’s name to the Thaddeus Stevens Foundation, 740 East End Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17602. Please designate in the memo: “To be used for the Carpentry Program”.