Bertha Louise Short (Louise) passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 5, 2025 after a brief stay at The Arbors at Lakewood Assisted Living, memory care facility in Springfield Missouri following a battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Louise was born on October 20, 1935 in the small village of Willow Springs located in Howell County Missouri to Homer and Trixie Hallett.  She was the second of four children. After meeting at college in Springfield Missouri, Louise was united in marriage to Jack Short on September 20, 1955 in Willow Springs Missouri.  They made their home in Galena Missouri where their five children were raised.

After the death of her husband, Jack, in 1970, Louise attended SMS in Springfield Missouri and graduated in 1975 with a bachelor's degree in education so she could work and support her five children.  Louise taught elementary school in Galena Missouri for about 11 years, moving on to the Willard school district and teaching for 14 years.   After retiring in 1999, Louise traveled to Cambodia to visit her son Blaine who was serving there as a missionary. Thereafter, she worked in various national parks during summer months.

Louise attended 2nd Baptist Church in Springfield Missouri for several years.  She was    an active member in the women's group WMU and was involved in other church activities and ministries.  She also volunteered at the Grand Oak Mission Center of Greene County Baptist Association.

Louise loved the outdoors, nature and gathering with friends.  She was good humored and loved to laugh.  Above all, she loved her family and treasured the time spent with them.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jack Short, son Jack Short, Jr., brother Eugene Hallett and sister Lorene Joslin.

Louise is survived by her children, Peggy Short, John Short (Sandi), Blaine Short (Sharolyn), Sarah Wray (Kevin), daughter in law Becky (Short) Christman and sister Bonnie Hallett along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express our deep gratitude for the wonderful, loving care our mother received while at home by Home Instead staff and the kind, dedicated care from the staff at The Arbors while she was there.

Funeral Service will be held at Stumpff Funeral Home in Crane Missouri. Visitation Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 1:00 pm followed by the funeral service at 2:00 pm.  Burial will be at Galena Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be given to Greene County Baptist Association for contribution to Grand Oak Mission Center in Louise Short's name.