Obituaries

May 26, 1942 to January 30, 2023

ROYAL CENTER - Betty J. Shorter, 80, of Winamac passed away peacefully at 6:45 p.m., Monday, Jan. 30, at Hickory Creek of Winamac.

Born on May 26, 1942 in Monticello, she was the daughter of the late Merle and Wanetta (Allen) Ezra. She was a 1960 Winamac High School graduate. On Nov. 5, 1960 she married James “Jim” Shorter.  He preceded her in death on Dec. 16, 2020.

Betty Shorter

Survivors include her sons Gregory (Tracey) Shorter of Winamac and Steven (Chris) Shorter of Winamac, and daughter Amy (David) Bailey of Star City. She is also survived by seven grandchildren Ashley  (Tommy Coop) Stemm of Osceola, Brittni (Steve Kasten) Bailey of Winamac, Emily Campbell of Winamac, Andrea (Kenny) Sanson of Star City, Trent Shorter of Star City, Jamie (Brandon) Sells of Lakeville, Tiffani Shorter of Winamac; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and one due in April; sister Carolyn Knebel of Indianapolis; grandson-in-law Tim Hoffa and granddaughter-in-law Brandi Shorter of Winamac.

She was preceded in death by brothers Benny Ezra and Larry Ezra, sister Shirley Peters, grandson Michael Shorter and granddaughter Christi Hoffa.

Many knew Mrs. Shorter best for the sewing and alterations she provided as the owner and seamstress of Betty’s Snip & Sew Barn. She was self-taught in her trade and provided sewing classes to the community over the years, including local 4-H clubs. She enjoyed spending many summers teaching her granddaughters to sew as well. She attended the First Christian Church in Winamac. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, cross-stitch, reading, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, completing puzzles, and spending time with family and friends. Instilled from her parents at a young age, she was an avid card player. She never turned down the chance to play cards or board games, passing this love on to her kids and grandkids. It would not be a family-get-together without gathering around the table playing multiple, high-spirited games with many laughs shared.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at Harrison-Metzger & Rans Funeral Home in Royal Center. The funeral service will follow directly after with Pastor Jeff Seger officiating.

 It was Betty’s wish to celebrate and honor the life of her late husband, Jim, in conjunction with her service. The family was unable to hold services at the time of his passing due to COVID.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church, 106 Market St., Winamac.

Mrs. Shorter’s online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.