Obituary of Barbara Jean Short

Barbara 'Jean' Short, 79, ran farm Barbara "Jean" Short lost her parents before she became a teen-ager. Holidays after that were sparse with family members. That's why when her kids were growing up, Christmases and birthdays were some of her favorite times of the year. "Those times were special to her," said Arnie Short, a son. "We just did a lot as a family." Mrs. Short, 79, of Walton, died Friday at her home. She was a homemaker, and worked as a florist at Swan Florists. There were signs of both occupations on her farm. She had a magnificent garden with attractive roses, and a wealth of fruits and vegetables. "We always had plenty of food," Arnie Short said. Maintaining the three acres was all about preparation. Mrs. Short never slipped on making sure everything was organized. "She didn't think about next week or next month," Arnie Short said. "She looked at next year. You had to when you were raising a farm." She shared her farm management tactics as a former member of the Boone County homemakers. She gave tips on crafts, and how to work with children. For more than 50 years, she was a member of the New Banklick Baptist Church. She had been with the church since services were held in a scant basement. The church has since upgraded, but continues to have an old-fashion feel with only 100 to 200 members. Throughout its transition, Mrs. Short remained active within the congregation, including as a member of the ladies ministry. "She worked with the elderly ladies," Arnie Short said. "She was there pretty much every Sunday. If they needed anything she would help prepare." Oftentimes, Mrs. Short's grandchildren would attend church with her. "It was unique how she could communicate with most of them," Arnie Short said. "Any time they had an opportunity they wouldn't just want to stop in and that's it. They enjoyed talking to her and respected her when she gave them advice. "All the kids enjoyed her. She wasn't a burden to any of them." She was also a member of the Republican Party of Boone County. Her husband, Gola Short, died in 1980. A son, Gola James Short, died earlier this year. Survivors include daughters, Linda Susan VanTyle of Hebron and Barbara Jean Fish of Walton; sons, John Richard Short of Walton, and Robert Elam Short of Florence; sisters, Betty Burnett of Sheffield, Ala., and Audrey Johnson of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, Florence. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Elk Spring Cemetery, Monticello. Memorials are suggested to New Banklick Baptist Church, 10719 Banklick Road, Walton, Ky. 41094.