Ruth Etelka "Tecky" Short

Ruth Etelka “Tecky” Short, 103 years old, of Kokomo, passed away 9:12 pm Sunday March 29, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. She was born in Princeton, IN, on June 10, 1922, the daughter of the late Charles Chester and Ruth E. (Guthrie) Steffey. On June 16, 1947, she married Harry W. Short in Indianapolis, IN, and he preceded her in death on May 30, 1990.

Tecky was a 1941 graduate of Shortridge High School. She worked at State Life Insurance in Indianapolis for 2 years. She later retired from Logansport Community Schools in May of 1982 after 15 years in the cafeteria. Tecky had a strong relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She gives him all the praise and credit for the long and healthy life she lived. She had a servant’s heart and looked for ways to help others. She was a faithful member of Baptist Temple Church for 65 years. She was a member of the Eastern Star #58 of Logansport for 66 years. Her 55 years of membership to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion displayed her patriotism.

Tecky had the best sense of humor and independence. She will be remembered for being curious and inquisitive about life. Tecky knew how to make an entrance and was the life of the party. She made countless priceless family members camping around the United States. She was a skilled seamstress and often created dresses for family members. Tecky was so fascinated with cars and attending car shows.

Tecky is survived by her son Leslie W. (Deborah) Short; grandchildren, Brian Short, Bradley (Heather) Short, Jenessa (Jeshua) Mauldin; stepgrandchildren, Mathew Krewet, Rebecca Krewet; great-granddaughter, Lowen Mauldin; many nieces and nephews; and special niece, Leann Gates and her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sons, Harry Randolph Short, Jeffrey T. Short; siblings, Resse (Charlie) Steffey, David Steffey, Margaret Johnson, Sally Greene.

One of Tecky’s life mantras was to eat less, keep moving, and laugh more. She would often end phone calls and conversations by saying “Bye, for now.”

A private burial will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery in Logansport, IN. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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