Atha L. Short

Atha L. Short, 86, of Pekin, IL passed away at 4:10 PM Friday, June 7, 2024 at the OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. Atha was born on January 12, 1938 in Revere, MO to James B. and Laura (King) Williams. She married Robert L. Short on January 27, 1957 in Memphis, MO. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Ward Williams and one grandson, Jack Derusso. Surviving are her husband of 67 years, Bob of Pekin; five sons, John (Marie) Short of St. Peter, MO, Matthew (Deanna) Short of Leesburg, VA, Mark (Marcy) Short of Metamora, IL, Dan (Bernadette) Short of Chicago, IL and Dennis (Andrea) Short of Pekin; two daughters, Patricia Wisner of Bartonville and Karen (Chris) Fort of Pekin; sixteen grandchildren; Erica Pullen, Trisha Haney, Bethany Childress, Christopher Fort, Jeremy Wisner, Rachel Cochran, Logen Howell, Amara Howell, Bryton Short, Garrett Short, Bri Short, Josh Derusso Short, Henri Short, Charlie Short, Sophie Short, Marshall Short; five great grandchildren, Tyler Thomas, Emma Haney, Rylan Pullen, Ayden Pullen, George Fort Cochran with another Baby Cochran on the way; four brothers, James Williams and Marvin Williams both of Keokuk, IA, Keith Williams of Texas and Luke Williams of Washington State: two sisters, Letha Smith of Carthage, IL and Nell Skinner of Keokuk, IA Atha was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She enjoyed playing bridge with many friends over the years, dancing with Bob, and was an avid reader. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother dedicating her life to raising her 7 children. She was ready for some "adult conversation" once her children were mostly grown and worked for a few years later in life, enjoying the time getting to know others. Atha was known for her beautiful smile and kind heart. She was the heart and soul of her family, and she will be dearly missed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM Friday, June 14, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Michal Andrejek as Celebrant and Deacon Mark Wilder as Homilist. The Rosary will be recited at 4:00 PM Thursday, June 13th with visitation from 5:00 PM 7:00 PM at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church / Building Fund. Rosary Service Thursday, June 13, 2024 4:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554 Mass Of Christian Burial Friday, June 14, 2024 11:00 AM St. Joseph Catholic Church 303 S. 7th St Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Thursday, June 13, 2024 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554