Patricia "Patty" M. Artis

Patricia (Patty) Artis left our world far too soon on August 14, 2025, at her home in West Des Moines, doing life her way until the very end. She was 82 years young- because let’s be honest, she never looked, acted, or dressed her age. Born April 16, 1943, at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis to Donald and Beatrice Bates. Patty came into this world with style and left the same way.

A Roosevelt High grad in 1961 and a Jayhawk at the University of Kansas. Patty knew early on how to combine brains, wit, and determination. On July 11, 1964 she married her soulmate Bill Artis at Grace Lutheran Church in Urbandale. Together, they built a family, countless memories, and a legacy that still carries their names. Bill passed on May 3, 2020, yet their love story continues to live on. In keeping with Patty’s wishes, the family will also honor Bill at her memorial, celebrating the bond they shared and the life they built together.

Patty wasn’t just a wife and mom—she defined it. She ran the household with humor, energy and a nightly dinner table that was equal parts family bonding along with a comedy hour. Her kids’ friends adored her, her grandkids’ friends adored her—and who wouldn’t? Patty, gorgeous inside and out, had a flair for fashion and could out-charm, out-class anyone in the room.

In 2005, she brought her creativity to Artis Furniture as Director of Advertising and by 2009, she was running the show. She led with drive and flair until her last day. She battled breast cancer in 2014 and beat it and kept going—never one to let life tell her what to do.

Patty was an active member of PEO and Junior League and volunteered her time generously to her community. When she wasn’t working, Patty was out golfing with her friends at Des Moines Golf—where she proudly scored two hole-in-ones—or off on the annual Fair Hills family vacations which became a highlight of every summer. She carried her faith proudly at Lutheran Church of Hope, but equally proudly carried her sharp wit, her sense of humor and her ability to keep life real.

She leaves behind her children: Bill Artis Jr., Beth Artis Picken (Steve) and Jay Artis all of Des Moines; her brother, Doug Bates (Connie); cousin Robin Weber (Tom) of St. Paul, MN; her grandchildren Shey Buckley of Des Moines and Bo Buckley of Austin, Texas; great-granddaughter, Willow Patricia Flood, who carries both great grandparents name and their spirit forward.

Patty lived bold, loved fiercely and was always devoted to her husband and family. She will be remembered not only for her love and devotion to family, but for her spark, her integrity and her ability to make everyone around her feel like family too.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, parents Donald and Beatrice Bates whose memory is always deeply cherished.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 3:00–5:00 PM at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel. A celebration of Patricia’s life will follow on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, with a luncheon to follow. Family and friends are invited to honor her life, legacy and share their treasured memories. You may join via livestream at https://wdm.lutheranchurchofhope.org/funeral-livestream/

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Susan G. Komen Iowa, an organization close to Patty’s heart.