Obituary of Rossia Frances Short

Rossia Frances Short September 10, 1919 - September 25, 2012 Rossia Frances “Nick” Short passed from this life on September 25, 2012 in Lubbock, Texas. She was 93 years old. Married for 75 years to her beloved husband, Ray, she was also mother to Frances Dawkins (Enoch) of New Orleans, La., Ron Short (Roseanne) of Raleigh,N.C. Nancy Toone of Jacksonville, Fl. And Jim Short (Nikki) of Azle, Tx. Mrs. Short is survived by eleven grand-children, 26 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She leaves one brother, Joe Byers of Lovington, N.M.. A former resident of Lovington, N.M. for many years, she has lived in the Carillon Community in Lubbock since 2001. One of six children, Mrs. Short was born to a pioneer family in Hobbs, New Mexico on September 10, 1919. She served as a church musician for over 60 years in churches in the communities where she lived. Playing for countless weddings and funerals and faithfully serving as church organist was her personal ministry. In 1999 she was honored in Lovington for having served the church and youth of Lea County for 63 years. Mrs. Short studied piano at Park Studio in Arizona, at Eastern New Mexico University, and at Oklahoma City University. She was active in the National Piano Guild Auditions and taught piano to more than 250 students in Lovington and Tatum. Many of her former students are currently serving as music teachers or as church musicians. Mrs. Short had many interests and remained inquisitive throughout her life. She had the opportunity to travel extensively with her husband Ray. At the age of 75 she resumed her study of the clarinet and took up the hobby of oil painting. Because of her genuine interest in, and service to others, Nick will be remembered as an exemplary wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend. Visitation with the family will be held in the Fellowship Hall of Jackson Avenue Baptist Church at 10:00 on Saturday, October 6, 2012. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 in the sanctuary of Jackson Avenue Baptist Church with Reverend Stan Blevins officiating. Graveside services will follow at Resthaven Cemetery in Lovington, New Mexico. Services are under the direction of Kirby-Smith-Rogers Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lea County Museum, 103 South Love, Lovington, New Mexico 88260.