She was born on December 15, 1952, the daughter of Ed and Peggy Short.
Jan was a 1971 graduate of Oak Park High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Northwest Missouri State University in December, 1974. She was a member of Delta Zeta. Following her graduation from Northwest Missouri State, Jan began her career as an interior designer. After working at a furniture store in Liberty, Jan joined the Interior Design Studio at Hall’s Department Store. For 13 ½ years, she designed for hundreds of people all over the city. She and her colleagues at Hall’s also routinely decorated rooms for the Kansas City Symphony Designer Show House.
When Hall’s closed its design studio, Jan struck out on her own, opening Jan Short Interior Design in North Kansas City. It was her belief that a home or office should reflect the lifestyle of those living or working in the environment. She strived to assist her clients in bringing their personality to the home or the office. Jan also continued designing for the Kansas City Symphony Show House.
The recession of 2008 hit Jan’s business significantly. She began looking for more steady work in the design field and was very fortunate to join the team at the Nebraska Furniture Mart Design Gallery where she was very successful. She shared her knowledge of the design field with college interns over the years.
Jan loved to travel and was always ready for the next adventure, whether it be to North Carolina on a furniture shopping trip, on a cruise, or to her favorite destination, Las Vegas. She also loved to shop at estate sales to find bargains for clients and for her own home.
Jan is survived by her father, Ed Short; siblings Jerry Short (Melodie Powell), Judy Walker (Tim) and Jeanne Oliphant (Terry). She adored her six nieces and nephews: Brian Walker (Tammy), Brad Walker, Bethany Walker, Cody Walker (Megan), Tara Lang (Shane) and Nathan Oliphant (Amy). Survivors also include nine great nieces and nephews: Taylor Walker, Tristynn Walker, Abby Hodges, Alison Walker, Tessa Lang, Samantha Lang, Austin Lang, Gavin Oliphant and Ragan Oliphant.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, Illinois 60674 or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mtmoriah.net for the Short family.
