Edna Doris Short

Edna Doris Short was born July 29th, 1918 in the new house her parents, Sam and Dora Berg, built on their farm in Diamond Township, Burke, County, near Bowbells, North Dakota. She was proud of her immigrant roots with her father from Norway and her mother’s family from Denmark. She was confirmed in the Methodist Church and graduated from the 8th grade in Bowbells at 13. She won a penmanship contest, using the Palmer method, and had beautiful handwriting well into her 90’es.

She went west, to Everett, Washington at 17 to work and met Orville Short at a dance at Redman Hall in Everett. They were married for 43 years until Orville passed away in 1980. Edna and Orville built their first house in the Madison area of Everett, lived on the Emander Road across the street from now Mariner High School for 14 years, and then moved to Granite Falls. Edna lived in her Granite Falls family home for 57 years and only needed live in assistance the last few months.

She was very gracious and loved living on her farm raising animals and gardening. She was happiest when working in her vegetable garden. She was a great cook, baker, and preserver of fruits and vegetables. With 30 minutes notice she could turn out a great dinner for 20 from her freezer and fruit room and not seem to be rushed at all.

Edna and Orville built their married life around their family, encouraging hard work, education and school participation. Christmas was very important to her hosting 50 + family and friends for Christmas Eve well into her 90es.

Memories of her will live on, reflected in the many lives she has touched. She had dignity, a great sense of humor, and was mentally sharp until the last few days. She stayed informed on local and national issues and interacted with her children and grandchildren. She will be missed beyond measure.

Edna is preceded in death by parents Sam and Dora Berg, husband Orville Short, sisters Margaret Skredsvig Lien, Luella Enberg, and Alice Riggin. She is survived by sisters, Ethel Briggs and Mary Torbenson, and her children Dennis (Arlene), Tom (Joyce), Bill (Ruthie), Pat (John), Doug (Mary), Rick (Debbie), Terry Wallace (Travis), 20 + grandchildren, 40 + great grandchildren and two great- great grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank our wonderful Hospice nurses Becca, Laurie, and Lillian. Without their assistance and advice we would not have been able to keep her in her home to the very end.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Children’s Orthopedic Hospital or Granite Falls Christ Community Church.

A celebration of her life will be held at Purdy Walters Funeral Home in Everett on Saturday June 11, 2016 at 11 AM , with burial immediately following at Cypress Lawn Cemetery.

An open invitation to all friends and families for a get together at the Granite Falls family home after the services at 16119 Gobel Hill Road, Granite Falls.

Arrangements under the direction of Purdy & Walters with Cassidy Funeral Home, Everett, WA.