Submit a PhotoJerry Dean Shorts, 80, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2021, in Queen Creek, AZ. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Cheri Shorts, and their 12 children: Kevin Shorts (Tammy); Casey Shorts (Liz); Craig Shorts (Monica); Christopher Shorts (Tasha); Kyle Shorts; Curtis Shorts (Jenny); Corwin Shorts (Monique); Corinne McDonald (Ryan); Kimberly Laursen (Travis); Kathryn Starr (Jeremy); Cameron Shorts (Andrea); Cale Shorts (Jaclyn); 46 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; and brother, Ricky Shorts (Julie). He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Deanna Scow and Callie Shorts.
Jerry was born November 1, 1940, to (Walter) Floyd and (Lenora) Mae Shorts in Wellington, Utah. He served 6 years in the Utah National Guard. It was during this time that he attended Carbon Junior College and helped lead his baseball team to the national championship. He then served a 2-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Great Lakes Mission. He went on to graduate from Brigham Young University. While at BYU he met the love of his life, Cheri Millett. They were married for time and all eternity in the Oakland Temple on December 18, 1965. Jerry’s greatest joy in life was his family. He owned and operated a successful microfilm business for 45 years which comfortably supported his large family and provided jobs for his children and employees. Jerry had a generous heart and gave freely to others. He loved sports and always supported and encouraged his children to participate. Jerry spent close to 20 years volunteering in the Little League as president, player agent, or coach. In his retirement he spent many hours woodworking and creating a special gardening system that resulted in beautiful produce year-round. Jerry spent his life serving others and fulfilling various callings in the church. He was, and continues to be, a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ and will truly be missed.
A funeral service will be held Friday, September 24th at 2:00pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1521 E. Bella Vista Road, San Tan Valley, AZ.
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With a heavy heart, I and 22,200 gardeners from around the world express our love for Jerry and Cheri Shorts for sharing their love of gardening with us this past year. We each are better for having known this special couple and benefited from their openness in sharing what they have learned.
May each relative and descendant take pride in their father/grandfather/great grandfather, Jerry Shorts, because he has proven himself to be a good man. His example is what makes our world a better place to live in! Cheri, you are amongst many family members and thousands of friends to bouy you up as you have done for so many of us. May God bless you with a feeling of peace.
Growing up cousins & neighbors. Remember when Jerry left on his mission. In our tiny town of Wellington, Utah, that was very rare. Admired his large family. Hats of to you Cheri. Many years ago, Jerry & Cheri came home for a visit. They came to our local Ward for church. They took up the entire row in front of me. Their children were all so well behaved. I sat there struggling with my 2 kids. I tapped Cheri on the shoulder, “how do you get your kids to be so reverent?” They don’t want to spend time in the hall with Jerry. Haha Prayers coming your way. God Bless!!
Cheri my heart breaks for you. He was a special soul. May you find peace in knowing you will see him again. It’s a parting, and the reunion will be wonderful. Love you sweet lady
Sending love snd condolences to the whole Shorts family. We, like so many, admired your amazing family and know it was due to the wonderful parenting of Jerry and Cheri. Jerry excelled at everything he did and was a remarkable and good man. He leaves a beautiful legacy of family and a life very well lived. Peace and blessings to you all.
Dear Cheri and family. So sorry to read about Jerry’s passing. You two were an amazing couple—having all those children. I have fond memories of you coming to vernal. Loved your parents! They took such good care of us in dental school. May the Lord bless in the coming weeks. What a blessing “Families are forever”
Love, Janet Hopkins Todd❤️
We have only known Jerry and Cheri for the three years we have been in Arizona. I remember from the very beginning how impressed we were with these two wonderful people. I remember sitting behind them in sacrament meeting when the bishop asked Jerry at the last minute to teach gospel doctrine class. What an incredible spiritual man he is. He taught that class like he’d been preparing for months. They would come to our home with wonderful veggies and treats from their garden. Cheri is my ministering sister. How lucky am I. Love these two beautiful people! Jerry. We will miss you. Cheri we are here for you.
I had the opportunity to tour Jerry’s wonderful garden, per his invite, earlier this year. About 20 of us gathered in his backyard while he explained in detail his garden. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and it has inspired me to model my new garden after his concept. I also had a long discussion over the phone as well with him back in April I think. He was so helpful and kind. He will be missed. Sincere condolences to Cheri and his family.