Karen Short

Karen Kay Short, 86, died on Monday, September 30, 2024, in Longmont, Colorado. Karen was born in Williston, North Dakota, on May 4, 1938, to Geneva (Walker) Smith and Kermit Lemuel Smith. She grew up on their family farm north of Williston and attended the rural “Y” school. She moved to town with her sisters to attend Williston High School, graduating in spring 1956 and attending Minot Teachers College the following fall.

Karen met her future husband Robert Short at a Williston John Deere Day. On an early date, they listened to a new album by Elvis Presley. Bob and Karen married on June 7, 1958, at the First United Methodist Church in Williston; they honeymooned in Banff, Canada. In 1963, they moved with their daughters Kayann and Kari to Greeley, Colorado, when Bob was offered a job with Parker & Underwood Engineering. They bought a house near Sherwood (now Scott) Elementary and raised their children Kayann, Kari, Robbie and Karlene there. They spent their summer vacations in Williston on their families’ farms.

Karen and Bob were active in the Methodist Church, where they taught Sunday school to preschool and kindergarten children for many years. Karen also helped organize the annual Methodist bazaar. She enjoyed sewing, cooking for family get-togethers, recording family history, and decorating for the holidays. She loved sharing family traditions with her seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and was especially known for her lavish plates of homemade Christmas cookies.

In 2015, Karen and Bob moved to Castle Pines to be near Robbie and Karlene and her family. In their retirement they traveled to Alaska and Hawai’i with family. In 2021, Bob and Karen moved to Alta Vita Assisted Living in Longmont near Kayann and Kari and their families. They enjoyed social activities with their new community, including trips to Chautauqua and the Rocky Mountains.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Robert Short (https://www.thenaturalfuneral.com/robert-allen-short/) , her parents Geneva and Kermit Smith, and her sisters Lola Houghton and Del Vera Peterson. She is survived by her children Kayann Short (John Martin), Kari Short (Dale Schnathorst), Robbie Short, and Karlene Butler (Chad Butler); grandchildren Ariane Streeter (John Streeter), Renny Benjamin, Christian Butler, Kameron Butler, Rachel Martin, Jill Schnathorst (Michael Eaton) and Jana Hayes (Angie Hayes); great-grandchildren Collin Streeter and Oren, Alder, and Rowan Eaton; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Karen’s sunny smiles and generous spirit will be missed by her family, friends, and associates. Donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.