Artis J. Boddicker
October 06, 2011
Artis Jean Boddicker, 76, formerly of Denison, Iowa and most recently living in Pleasant Hill, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 6, 2011 at Iowa Health Hospice Taylor House.
Artis was born January 29, 1935 in Covington, Iowa, the daughter of Hollis and Edna Ralston. She attended Stony Point Country School, Shellsburg Schools and then graduated from Fairbank High School. She then attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette for two years. Artis taught in Marengo for two years and then enrolled in the University of Iowa. While attending the University of Iowa, she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and to Pi Lambda Theta, a national honor association for educators. After receiving her BA degree in 1959 she taught in Palestine, Illinois for one year and then at Longfellow Elementary in Iowa City for four years.
Artis married Joe L. Boddicker on August 10, 1963 and to this union four children were born. Artis was a stay at home mom from 1964 until 1975. During these years she was a member of AAUW, Beta Sigma Phi, and St. Rose Ladies Guild. Artis was a Girl Scout Brownie leader, a homeroom mom for her children’s classes, and taught CCD at St. Rose. In 1975 Artis took a teaching position at St. Rose Catholic School in Denison. She taught first grade there until 1999.
Artis enjoyed reading and was an avid sports fan, especially cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. In true “teacher” fashion, Artis had a passion for coloring and cutting projects to help her daughter’s students even after she had retired. Above all else, she loved spending time with her grandchildren as they were the true “apples of her eye.”
Artis is survived by her children, Kathy (David) Weingardt of Parker, Colorado, Karen (Dan) Behrens of Pleasant Hill, Iowa and Michael (Ruth) Boddicker of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren, Greg Behrens, Drew Behrens, Jessica Behrens and Zachary Boddicker; brother, Kenneth Ralston; nephews, Larry (Renae) Ralston and Randy (Deb) Ralston; other loving relatives and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joe L. Boddicker; daughter in infancy, Susan Mary Boddicker and her parents.
The family will greet friends from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church, 1401 1st Avenue South in Altoona. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday with burial to follow at the St. Patrick/St. Paul Cemetery in Watkins, Iowa at 3:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Rose Catholic School in Denison, Iowa or the Iowa Health Hospice Taylor House in loving memory of Artis. Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Tracey Schechinger
10/08/2011
I am honored to have known Artis as not only my colleague at St. Rose but also as my friend. As a new teacher starting out I truly appreciated all the words of encouragement that she gave me. The conversations that we shared of not only school related topics but also LIFEs topic will be a continued reminder of the friend that she was. Artis and her family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Tracey Schechinger
Pat Breen
10/08/2011
Artis...just thinking of her brings tears to my eyes, yet a smile to my face. I am among those many people who were blessed to work with her for many years at St. Rose School. I witnessed her masterful skills and patience in teaching hundreds of children, including our four daughters.
Artis was not only inspirational as an educator, but as a wife, mother and grandmother. Her family was the absolute focus of her life, and her face glowed with pride when she talked about each of them.
So many of us are better people for having known her and loved her. Our prayers continue for you, Artis, and for your family.
Lana Wellsandt
10/08/2011
I had the privilege of working with Mrs. Boddicker for twelve years in her 1st grade classroom at St. Rose school. She was truly a special lady and a master teacher. She had an enormous impact on my life and I feel that I am a better person just for having known her. In addition to her amazing teaching skills, she was the epitome of patience, compassion, and generosity. I learned from her every day and I used those skills while raising my own children and also in subsequent classrooms I have worked in. Her legacy will continue on.
My sincere condolences to her children and their families. I hope they will be comforted by all the special memories they have of her.
I am reminded of the following saying:
"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced.
Live your life in such a way, that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice."
Artis truly did that.
Love and prayers,
Lana Wellsandt
Rosemarie Penn
10/07/2011
Artis was a wonderful person who helped hundreds of children on their way to learning. So many young people today think of a coach or other teacher as special, but they fail to remember the teacher who taught them to read. If a person can read, they can learn anything by reading directions, etc. Teachers make all other professions possible. She will always be remembered by my children, and I am priviledged to have known her.
Mike Boddicker
10/07/2011
Mom you were a very wonderful mom and grandma to my son (Zach). I'm glad that me, Karen, and Kathy were able to be at your bedside when you passed away. I will always love you and miss you very much, but knowing that you are now in Heavan and that God has healed you from your pain and that you have been reunited with dad will comfort me.
Love your son.
Connie Dentlinger
10/07/2011
Artis was a true inspiration to everyone who was lucky enough to teach/work with her at St. Rose. Who could forget her perfect bulletin boards, neat stories that she wrote with the kids, or the love of reading that she instilled in so many little first graders! Heaven has definitely gained an angel!!
Colleen Marten
10/07/2011
Artis was a wonderful lady! I enjoyed working with her at St. Rose. I was honored when I took her place as the first grade teacher. I knew I had BIG shoes to fill! She was my mentor before the term was coined in the educational system. God's Blessing to Artis and her family.