Ruth Anne Short

A celebration of life attended by 20 family members was held the day before Ruth Anne Short's death on Jan. 25, 2009, at her daughter's home in Gardnerville after a short battle with cancer. Mrs. Short was 79 years old.

Born Ruth Anne Mudgett on Dec. 2, 1929, she was raised in Palo Alto, Calif., and was a graduate of San Jose State University. She was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority and an avid swimmer, horsewoman, and humanitarian.

She met and married Ted F. Short, and was married at the Stanford Chapel after her graduation. The family moved to Reno in 1965. Mrs. Short was a dedicated teacher in Washoe County for 21 years. She was an advocate for disadvantaged children and animals. She was a board member for the Nevada Humane Society for 19 years, as well as Reno Animal Services. She was an active dog therapy owner and brought much joy to many seniors who delighted in her visits. There was never a stray animal that she would not assist or adopt. Her car always had extra food, hay, leashes and water in case she found an animal in need. She was also active in helping the wild horses and helped raise awareness about their situation in the Virginia Foothills.

She spent her last days being cared for by her family and St. Mary's Hospice. The entire family had just spent a week in Maui.

Mrs. Short is survived by her husband of 54 years, Reno native and former Washoe County commissioner Ted F. Short; daughters Kat Simmons, Kris (Rob) Robison of Gardnerville; sons Michael (Marie) Short and Matt (Sara) Short of Reno; seven grandchildren; sister Peg Dennis of Vancouver, Wash., and sister-in-law Marilyn Short of Reno, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family requests any remembrance of Mrs. Short be sent to St. Mary's Hospice Foundation, 520 West Sixth St., Reno, Nevada 89503-4423, the Nevada Humane Society or the SPCA of Nevada. She would also encourage you to adopt an older dog, like her beloved Sugar.

Her family wishes to thank St. Mary's hospice for allowing them to assist with one of the greatest honors of their life.

Final arrangements were in the trusted care of Autumn Funerals & Cremations.