Artis Mae Whitcomb, age 87, of Elgin, IL, passed away on July 18, 2026. Born October 18, 1938 in Long Prairie, MN to her loving parents, Ray J. and Frances May (née Wing) Woolcott, Artis lived a life defined by faith, family, and an open-hearted hospitality that touched everyone she met.

Artis graduated from Elgin High School with the Class of 1956 and went on to earn her nursing degree from Evanston Hospital School of Nursing in 1959. She worked briefly in pediatrics, caring for children with the same tenderness she would soon bring to raising her own family, before setting aside her career to marry and become a devoted wife and mother.

She married Edward Whitcomb, and together they built a life filled with music, laughter, and togetherness — from evenings at plays and musicals, to concerts with the Elgin Symphony, to family camping trips that became treasured traditions. Artis found her deepest joy in being a mother and grandmother, always making sure everyone in her life had what they needed, whether that meant a home-cooked meal, a listening ear, or a warm place at her table.

A gifted cook and baker, Artis had a lifelong love of cookbooks and crocheting, and an inquisitive mind that never stopped seeking out new recipes, stories, and ideas — whether she was thumbing through a new cookbook, losing herself in an old cowboy movie, or striking up a conversation with someone new. She poured her heart into her church community at Elgin First Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir, was active in the women's ministry, and helped contribute to the church's sesquicentennial cookbook. Known for her hospitality, she loved organizing court picnics and bringing people together. She cherished her close bond with her sisters and her wide circle of friends.

Artis was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Francis Woolcott; her husband, Edward Whitcomb; her sisters, Ruth Hahn and Patsy Lloyd; and her brother, Richard Woolcott. She is survived by her children, Matthew Whitcomb, Jonathan (Becky) Whitcomb, and Sarah Whitcomb; and her grandchildren, Emily Whitcomb, Claire (Aidan) Underwood, Laura Whitcomb, Nathan Whitcomb, and Katelynn Whitcomb.

Artis will be remembered for her caring soul, her inquisitive spirit, and the countless ways she made others feel loved and welcomed. Her warmth, her faith, and her devotion to her family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church Elgin, 735 W. Highland Avenue, Elgin, IL 60123, on August 14, 2026, at 2:30 PM, with refreshments to follow.

Interment will be private.

Please join us in sharing memories, stories, pictures, and more on the Ed and Artis Whitcomb Public Facebook Page.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home.