Loraine Ohlson Short, born August 28, 1927, passed away February 5, 2017 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Loraine was an educator, wife, mother, community advocate, animal lover, baker, cook and so much more. She was born in Kiowa, CO to Helen Banks Ohlson and Carl E. Ohlson, on the family ranch -- which has remained in the family for over a century. Loraine attended grades 1-12 at the community school in Kiowa. A strong farm girl, she loved to ride her horse, Teddy, bareback and was the loving caretaker for all manner of critters throughout her life.
She graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 1949 with a B.S in Health Education and set out to be a Physical Education & English teacher. Her first teaching job was at Canon City High School where her beauty and athleticism caught the eye of many lads, including Paul Short. Loraine left Canon after two years and taught in Colorado Springs at East Junior High. Paul traveled frequently and persistently to Colorado Springs to help Loraine “grade papers” and one day Loraine accepted his proposal for marriage.
Loraine married Paul in a small ceremony on August 20, 1952 in Colorado Springs. Like many frugal brides of that era, she made her own dress and veil and most of her trousseau. Paul and Loraine embarked on a fairy tale honeymoon to the islands of Hawaii on the SS Lurline. The lovebirds returned home on a new TWA airplane with four engines! Paul’s extravagant gesture paid off --they would have been married 65 years this summer.
Loraine set about being the best mother possible, and for many years was ‘home room mother’ to all three of her children simultaneously. Fortunate for all, she was a renowned bread and pastry baker and excellent cook. Her gift of service extended to the entire community throughout her life…Cub Scout Leader, Girl Scout Leader, Methodist Youth Fellowship Leader, and founder of one of the first food banks and thrift stores, The Zacchaeus House. She and her good friend Mary Harbor worked to start Meals on Wheels in Canon City. Loraine was an early advocate and volunteer in the Canon Literary Center, where Paul carried on her work when the dementia diminished her ability to share her love for lifelong learning. She was a 50-year member of the PEO Chapter DK where she championed the cause of literacy, and food security for one and all, especially children.
Loraine studied continually, combing three daily newspapers for important information. She asked for a “Radar Range”, the first microwave and soon after offered classes is this new and exciting method of cooking. She loved to be active and Jazzercize was a favorite—she and Paul even went on a Jazzercise cruise. Active down to her last week of life, Loraine and Paul hiked, backpacked and traveled the world, usually with a beloved dog trotting along.
She leaves her husband of nearly 65 years, Paul; daughters, Laurie Ward (Tim) of Evergreen, CO, Victoria Strohmeyer Smalley (Gary), of Steamboat Springs, CO, son, Paul Bradley, Aurora, CO; nieces, nephews, step-grand and great-grandchildren and numerous grand-dogs and grand-cats. Loraine’s sister-in-law, Nina Ohlson of Aurora, CO and her brother- in –law, Robert Short (Virginia), of Oregon also are living.
Loraine was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Wendell.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers are requested to The Humane Society of Fremont County or your favored charity.

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