Ruth Elizabeth Short, age 78, died at her home in Pope, MS, on February 5, after a long illness, surrounded by husband of 57 years, Charles Short, and her two sons, Tony (Houston, TX) and Curtiss (Memphis, TN). She was born on October 24, 1944, in Monroe, AR.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lee and Faye Lynch of Monroe, a sister, Betty Ross, a brother, William Lynch, Jr., and a son, Charles "Peanut" Short.

In addition to her sister Susan Smith (Stuttgart, AR) and her brother Tom Lynch (Clarendon, AR), she is survived by her husband and two sons as well as three granddaughters, Sarah McCaslin, Hailey Short, and Hana Short, and a feisty great-granddaughter, Olivia Dawn McCaslin.

She enjoyed gardening and working in the yard when she was able, and throughout her life was the best cook in the world, even after a tiring day's work. Her most important roles were mother to her boys and helpmate to her loving husband. Between taking care of others, she managed to write, feed the hummingbirds, and wonder what on earth often got into people. She was quick to laugh and quicker to understand.

Ruth will be laid to rest at Marvell Cemetery on February 9 near her son Peanut and several members of the Short family.