Patricia LaVerne Short

Patricia LaVerne (Beckner) Short, 77, of Collinsville, OK was born on December 9, 1941 in Lubbock TX to Alvin and Kate (Williams) Beckner.

LaVerne passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family on April 29, 2019.

At age 35, Laverne decided to start college. Not only did she earn her bachelor’s degree, but she also received a Master’s in Theology and a Master’s in Psychology. Laverne spent much of her time as a youth counselor at the Children’s Home in Collinsville. when it was ultimately closed, she began working at St. John Hospital in Tulsa; first as a psychology counselor, and ultimately became the first Protestant Chaplain at the hospital. Laverne continued working there for 20+ years; and at the same time was a Deacon at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and Meadowcreek United Methodist Church until her retirement in 2014. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband, Frank all over the United States, and even Europe. She seemed to meet someone she knew, no matter where their travels took them.

LaVerne is survived by her husband of 57 years, Frank Short, Sr.; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Dana Short; grandchildren, Brad Short, Caitlin Short, Taylor Holman, and Kali Holman; great-grandchildren, Faith Short, Hope Short, and Paxton Romere; and many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her eldest son, Frank Short, Jr; grandson, Aaron Short; and mother, Kate Beckner.