Our lovely and amazing Leslie Ora Artkowsky, 68, of Waynesburg, PA, went to be with the Lord Jesus on August 1, 2024, at home with her loving family by her side. Leslie's radiance came from the love and intimate relationship she had with her Savior. She was truly a woman of "strength and dignity." She is now in the presence of the very God she loved and served so passionately.

Leslie is the beloved wife of Dr. Walter Artkowsky of Waynesburg, PA., and the daughter of Mary Lou Botta of Verona, PA. In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by daughters Emily (Josh) Strohm of Downington, PA. and Anna Artkowsky of Charlotte, N.C. and her sweet granddaughter Madelyn Jane Strohm of Downington. As a part of a large, close-knit family, Leslie is also survived by her siblings, Victoria (Michael) Mlinar of Greenwood, SC., Lorraine (Andrew) Stuart of Penn Hills, PA., Luanne Botta of Greenwood, SC., Linda (Tim) Hart of Monroeville, PA., and Riggs (Michelle) Botta of Seven Fields, PA., her mother-in-law, Evelyn Artkowsky of Lower Burrell, PA., sisters-in-law, Marlene (Vijay) Dhar, of West Palm Beach, FL., and Robin Ann (Dr. Greg) Zawrotny, of Indiana, PA., as well as countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Ralph A. Botta of Verona, PA, and her father-in-law, Robert E. Artkowsky of Lower Burrell, PA.

Leslie was happiest when surrounded by her family. She and Walt met and fell in love at Three Rivers Fellowship in Pittsburgh, PA. Their daughters, Emily and Anna, were her joy and heartbeat. From teaching them at church Missionettes in their early years to cheering them on at dance recitals or competitive soccer games, they could count on her endless support. Her daughters want to share, "Mom, we don't have the words to describe what an amazing mother, grandmother and best friend you were to us throughout everything in our lives. You have been our constant and biggest supporter. All our love."

Leslie was incredibly generous and kind, celebrating every occasion and holiday with the heart of a child. All things Christmas was Leslie's favorite time of the year and was reflected in the memorable gifts she gave to those she loved.  Especially her granddaughter Maddie who filled her heart with joy, laughter, and love. The little ones in the family fondly called Leslie Mrs. Christmas. Raised in a sports-loving home, she was also an ardent fan of the "black and gold," especially the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pirates.

Through the thirty plus years living in the Waynesburg community, Leslie touched countless lives as the Missionette teacher at Eastview Assembly of God. At Waynesburg High School, Leslie shared years of memories, cheering on the athletic teams. Her quiet smile and presence encouraged both students and faculty who passed her office daily. Leslie and her family are currently members of Good Shepherd Church in Upper St. Clair where her husband serves as the worship leader.

Leslie was a 1974 graduate of Penn Hills High School and a 1978 graduate in Office Management from Bradford Business School in Pittsburgh, PA. She excelled in administrative work; organizing and multitasking in the workplace was her gift to others. Among her administrative positions, Leslie was a division head secretary at Mellon Bank N.A., Pittsburgh, PA., the personal assistant to Robert E. Eberly, Chairman of Gallatin National Bank and Eberly-Meade Oil and Gas in Uniontown, PA., and the administrative assistant to the Athletic Director/Activities Director for the Central Greene School District in Waynesburg, PA. She also assisted her husband, Walter, at his chiropractic practice, Carmichaels Chiropractic Center, in Carmichaels, PA.

Leslie's fun-loving personality was the light and the joy in her large family. We will miss her greatly, love her always, and see her again in heaven with our Savior Jesus Christ someday soon. It is only good-bye for now.

Friends and family will be received on Sunday August 4, 2024 from 4-8 p.m. at the Behm Funeral Homes, Inc., 182 W High St. Waynesburg, PA 15370.

Visitation and receiving of friends, family, and guests will continue on Monday August 5, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC. at 421 Allegheny Ave. Oakmont, PA 15139.

Additional visitation will be held on Tuesday August 6, 2024 from 10-11 a.m. with services starting at 11 a.m. in the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC., Oakmont.

Interment to follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Verona.

Waynesburg guests, please send flowers orders to Behm Funeral Home.

Verona, Oakmont, and Pittsburgh guests, please send flowers to Burket-Truby Funeral Home.