Artelle George Stiff

Luvois Artelle George Stiff went to be with her Heavenly Father on November 9, 2013 in McKinney, Texas. Artelle was born February 13, 1920 in Blue Ridge, Texas. She was the fourth child born to James Matthew and Altha Lee Sellers George. Her early childhood was spent in Clayton, New Mexico. At the age of fourteen, her family returned to McKinney. She graduated from Boyd High School class of 1936. She graduated from the old McKinney City Hospital School of Nursing on South Parker Street where she became a Registered Nurse in 1942. At that time, Artelle stayed in the school dorm, the larger building north of the hospital. Artelle also attended Barnes Hospital School of Anesthesia at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri in 1946. She became a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). In 1947, she married Fred Stiff of Melissa, Texas. They were happily married for forty-nine years until his death in April, 1996. Artelle was employed by the state of Oklahoma at University Hospital in Oklahoma City for ten years. Later, she retired from the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Muskogee, Oklahoma after twenty years of service. On returning to McKinney in 1972, she served on the staff of Wysong Hospital for over ten years and was a volunteer with the Hospital Auxiliary since 1974. Artelle loved nursing and her career as a nurse spanned for over fifty years. She was Service Officer in Collin County for the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Chapter 559. She was a Red Cross Board Member for several years, served on the Board of the Collin County Development Center and was a Charter Board member for the Collin County Development Center and was a Charter Board member for the Collin County Committee on Aging since its beginning in 1976. She spent about twenty-five years in the McKinney Business and Professional Women's Organization. She will be remembered as a loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She loved children, never having any of her own. She also loved helping her family and the community in many ways. Artelle was a faithful and current member of High Point Church of Christ at the time of her death. Artelle is survived by her nieces, Joyce Aaron Dorsey of McKinney, Nellie Aaron of Fairview, Texas, Jane George of Midland, Texas; nephew David (Elaine) George of Denver, Colorado, numerous great nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends. Artelle was preceded in death by her parents; husband Fred Stiff; brothers Dennis and Glenn George; sister Artema Aaron; nephews Billy Lloyd Aaron, Jim (Benny) George and niece Ima Jean Michaley. The family will receive friends at a visitation to take place at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at High Point Church of Christ in McKinney, Texas. The funeral will follow immediately at 2:00 p.m. at the church. The Reverend Bill James will officiate. The family wishes to thank everyone at Park Manor Nursing Home and Angel Hands Hospice for their loving, compassionate care.