Emma Lou Artz

The staff at Heishman Funeral Home Inc. sends condolences to the family of Emma Lou Artz. Emma Lou Artz peacefully passed away in the early morning hours of January 10th, 2024, at her home. A funeral service will be held Sunday, January 14th at 2 PM at Valley Funeral Service in Edinburg. Pastor Nate Robinson will officiate. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be private in Sunset View Memorial Gardens in Woodstock. Emma Lou was born November 29th, 1928, to Samuel G. Clark and Susie Dellinger Clark. Emma attended Madison College from 1947 to 1951 and acquired her Associate Jr. Accounting Degree from Winchester Business School. During her professional life, she served as a secretary for Sears, her church, and the town of Woodstock. Shenandoah County public schools also saw her as a substitute teacher for a time. She was heavily involved in community organizations with her most passionate membership being a part of the Narrow Passage Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a member of Eastern Star, spent time as a 4-H Leader of the Woodstock Club, and the Woodstock Homemaker’s Club. Emma Lou is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Lee Artz McIlwee (Robert); grandsons, Brian J. Loveland (Mackenzie) and Robert S. "Bobby" Loveland (Nicole); step granddaughter, Jennifer McClanahan (Jerry); two great grandsons, John Brian and Lucas Chance Loveland. Emma Lou spent 72 years married to her lifetime sweetheart, Robert “Bob” Martin Artz, who predeceased her on November 8, 2022. Emma and Bob’s devotion to each other and their family was apparent and provided comfort to all whom they loved. Although Emma’s family is heartbroken by her passing, her heavenly reunification with Bob provides comfort at this time. Emma’s hobbies included sewing (mostly fixing holes in her grandsons’ clothes in her later years), genealogy, crafting, scrap-booking, and maintaining Liberty Furnace historical papers. Emma Lou was a walking genealogy encyclopedia, and provided insight into different lines throughout her family. Liberty Furnace is a property that was a part of Emma Lou’s identity. Her father purchased it in 1941 and it has been in the family ever since. Emma Lou’s final years were made whole by her devoted caretakers: Mary Miller, Angie Gyovai, Tammy Cooper, and Rosemary Clower. These women became like family to Emma Lou and her loved ones, and their quality of care was exceptional. Furthermore, Emma Lou’s outdoor work was maintained by the longtime family friend Calvin Bloodsaw. Calvin’s kindness is endlessly appreciated by Emma Lou’s family. Emma Lou’s most unconditional caretaker was her daughter, Suzanne. Her care was often challenging, but always fueled by love and a commitment to her mother. Emma Lou was a particularly proud grandmother as pictures of her grandsons litter her home. From bathing them in the sink, taking them to the orthodontist, and making faces during dinner; she really did it all. Memorial donations may be made to Humane Society of Shenandoah County, PO Box 173, Woodstock, VA, 22664 or any local charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left at www.valleyfs.com Arrangements by Heishman Funeral Home Inc., Valley Funeral Service Branch, Edinburg.

Emma Lou Artz

November 29, 1928 - January 10, 2024