Velva Short

Velva Short
May 16, 1920 - June 30, 2008
Keota, Iowa
KEOTA-Velva L. Short, age 88, of Alexandria, Virginia, formerly of Keota, died Monday, June 30, 2008, at Mt. Vernon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Alexandria, Virginia, following a brief illness. Velva was born May 16, 1920, in Linden, Iowa, to Evan and Alice (Dickey) Parker and grew up in Dallas County, Iowa. She graduated from Linden High School, attended William Penn College and received her R.N. degree from the University of Iowa in 1947. On August 6, 1947 she married John Short in Dallas County, Iowa. Velva worked at the V.A. Hospital, Iowa Lutheran Hospital and Des Moines General Hospital, all in Des Moines, until the couple moved to Keota in 1967. She then operated the Golden Buckle for seven years before returning to nursing at Parkview Manor in Wellman and Maplewood Manor in Keota, retiring in 1987. Velva was a member of the United Church of Faith in Keota. She provided nursing care for many neighbors and enjoyed sewing and quilting. Survivors include five children: Russell Short of Seattle, Washington, Karla Lucchesi of Arlington, Virginia, Holly Dowe of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, Joel Short of North English and Janelle Short of Iowa City; 11 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; two brothers: Dewayne Parker of Ankeny and Garold Parker of Ankeny and one sister: Leta Moore of Perry, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: John in 2003 and brother: Vern Parker. Her body will be cremated and no services are planned at this time. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is handling the arrangements.