Helen Marie Short

Helen Marie Short, age 92, passed away peacefully in her home in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, on Tuesday, October 15th, 2013. At her side was her husband of 72 years, Jim (James J), her daughter Patty Ristvedt, and son Mike. She was born to Floyd Henry and Kathryn Collins Angermiller in Bee County, Texas on September 12, 1921.

Helen grew up on south Texas ranches, attended grade school in Utopia, and graduated from Sabinal High School in 1940. She met Jim shortly before he entered the Army Air Force. They were married in Hondo and spent the war years serving at several bases, until his discharge when they moved to Champaign, Illinois. Helen graduated from Champaign Commercial College in August of 1947 began work at G.B. Franks Insurance Company while Jim finished his course work at the University of Illinois. After college, they embarked on a 40 plus year career with Caterpillar Tractor Co. which took them from Virginia, to Massachusetts and finally to Peoria, Illinois. After Jim’s retirement, in 1986, the two moved back to Helen’s home state of Texas and the Horseshoe Bay community.

Helen enjoyed tennis, golf, and bridge with the wonderful collection of close friends she found in Horseshoe Bay. Her family and friends knew her solid, determined personality; her loving embrace of life, her abiding support of her children and grandchildren, and her enduring love for Jim. Her guidance, beautiful smile, and fabulous homemade desserts will be missed by all.

She is survived by her husband, Jim, 91, her daughter Patty Ristvedt, Patty’s husband Bill, (both of Excelsior Minnesota), and her son Mike (Minden Nevada), grandsons; Michael Ristvedt (Phoenix), Will Ristvedt (Minneapolis), Chris Short (Orlando, FL), and granddaughters; Emily Short (Pasadena, CA) and Kelsey (Nunapitchuk, AK).

A celebration of Helen’s life will take place on Friday, November 8, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Church at Horseshoe Bay.

In lieu of flowers the family would encourage donations to the Church at Horseshoe Bay.

Condolences may be offered at www.clementswilcoxfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home of Marble Falls.