Phyllis (Short) Arnold

Phyllis Short Arnold was born July 29, 1925 in Peoria, Illinois to William Short and Alice Sperry Short. Her parents were children of American immigrants from Ireland and Portugal, and although they were not highly educated, they instilled the importance of learning and education in their two daughters. Phyllis was very proud of her ancestral roots. When she was three her family moved to Galesburg, Illinois, where her father was a mail sorter on the railroad. She grew up in Galesburg and considered that to be her true home. She graduated from Galesburg High School in 1943 during WWII. She attended Knox College and received a degree in History. She was a member of Tri Delta sorority.

After graduation in 1947 she was hired by United Airlines to be a reservationist in Chicago. United flew her on a DC-3 to Cheyenne, Wyoming for training. Little did she know that her lifetime home would be 50 miles away in Greeley, Colorado.

In 1946 she started dating Hugh Arnold who had just returned from piloting B-17s in the war. They were married September 7, 1947. Their honeymoon was a one-way trip to Colorado where Hugh finished school at Colorado College. During that time, she worked as a bookkeeper for the Superintendent of Building and Ground for the school. After that, she worked at Time and Esquire Magazine while Hugh went to law school at CU.

In 1951 they moved to Greeley, Colorado where Hugh began practicing law. Throughout her life she was a wonderful singer and performer. She had an amazing voice and performed as a soloist in the church and community. She provided inspiration and thrills to all who heard her. She was a charter and organizing member of the Greeley Chorale. She ran the sustaining drive and was on the board of the Greeley Philharmonic Guild. She created the first “Affair in the Square” which is now “Art in the Park.” She was part of a singing group called “Fort Nightly,” performed in Madrigals, was a frequent soloist in her church choir and loved harmonizing with her musical friends while they played piano, trumpet and banjo. She was always moved by music, and her family remembers opera on the radio and Caruso blasting on the stereo. She taught her children and grandchildren a love and appreciation of music. She was a 50 year member and two time president of PEO, a member of WTK and American Association of University Women.

She had an intellectual curiosity about history, politics and current events. She just finished reading a book about President Garfield. She always loved an intellectual conversation and debate. She had a deep appreciation for nature and the beauty of all things. She would often call her daughters to tell them of something wonderful in nature or in the world.

Phyllis also had a passion for sports. This year she won the football pickems with over 15 competitors in the pool. How a 90 year-old woman could beat her competitors is beyond us. But that is who she was. What she did, she did well. She also won this year’s March Madness picks. She learned tennis at age 47 and played a mighty game. She was also a great golfer.

She had a fiery and passionate personality and would describe herself as a fighter for human rights. Her family will miss the opportunity to ask her about history, politics, current events and sports. She had a joy for living and travel, which she and Hugh did extensively throughout their lives. Most of all, she was happiest spending time with her family and friends. She will always be remembered for her great sense of humor, quick wit, and loving heart and spirit.

She was preceded in death by her son Clark Hudson Arnold; sister Roberta Ann Short Gorham; her brothers in law Blaine Gorham and Dave Arnold; and her parents.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, retired Judge Hugh Hudson Arnold; her daughters, Laurie Arnold Walker and her husband Don, Allison Arnold Minnick and her husband Dan. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Cameron, Maclean, Bridger, Maddie, Clasey, Evan, Beth, Sarah, and Abby; Great grandchildren: Lily, Delaney, Finn and Callie; and her wonderful caregivers Natalie Angell, Brenda Janicki, Deanna Angell, and Tasia Young.

WE ALL LOVE YOU AND WILL MISS YOU FOREVER.

A Celebration of her life will be held on January 23, 2016, at 11:00 AM at the First Congregational Church, 2101 16th St., Greeley, CO. A lunch buffet reception & greeting will follow immediately at the Greeley Country Club, 4500 W. 10th St. Greeley.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Greeley Philharmonic or Greeley Chorale in care of the Allnutt Macy Chapel, 702 13th St., Greeley, CO 80631. Friends may view the online obituary and send condolences at www.allnutt.com.