//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01e/148465/148465-00.jpgContributions
At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.
Portage West Middle School Band Program
7145 Moorsbridge Road
Portage, MI 49024
Please make checks payable to Portage Public Schools
Flowers
Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.
Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site
Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
Driving Directions
Web Site
//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01e/148465/148465-00.jpgLife Story / Obituary
Ruth Evelyn Short moved to her heavenly home on the morning of January 27, 2025. She was welcomed by her husband “Bill" William Eugene Short, her parents Joseph Edward Hayes and Ruth (Wilkins) Hayes, and a sister Martha Ann Brown.
She was born on November 29, 1933 in Baltimore, MD. During her lifetime she has lived in many states including MS, CA, MN, FL, TX, PA and MI. With her outgoing personality, she made friends wherever she lived. She has been a resident of the Kalamazoo area for the last 27 years.
On June 21,1952 she married “Bill” William Short. Together they had a wonderful marriage of 65 years full of laughs, love, family and serving the Lord. She was an active member in many churches and also a member of BSF International.
Ruth returned to college in her 50s to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. She worked as a registered nurse at Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX. After her retirement she devoted her time to her grandchildren.
Ruth loved to sew. She was an expert at English smocking. She did beautiful work. She also enjoyed gospel music, gardening, cooking and talking on the phone.
Members of her family include four children: Ruth Ziegler, Dale Short (Sandy), Johanna Hyland (Lynn) and Stephanie Velasco (Gordon); Nine grandchildren: Natalie Husted (Richard), Nicholas Velasco, Nathaniel Velasco, Lindsey Kramer (Travis), Jenna Howland (Kyle), Christopher Short, Eric Hyland (Cecilia), Kristen Hyland and Cassidy Hyland; eight great grandchildren: Lincoln, Emma, Judah and Silas Husted. Connor, Aubrey and Madison Howland, and Rosaline Hyland; Her sister Gladys Elizabeth Richardson and many nieces and nephews.
Private services will be held at a later date. Ruth will be buried next to her husband Bill at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to: Portage West Middle School Band Program 7145 Moorsbridge Road, Portage, MI 49024
Celebrate Ruth’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.