Mary Ruth Rankin

Mary Ruth Rankin Short, 91, of Kibler, passed away Sunday, October 8, 2017 in Fort Smith.

She was born October 8, 1926 in Kibler, Arkansas to Ed and Ethel (Pinson) Rankin.

She was a lifelong member of Kibler United Methodist Church where she met her husband, Jack Short when his father, Milton Bruce Short was the pastor. She was the church pianist there for many years. She played all sorts of music daily on her home piano and on her record player instilling in her daughter the love of music in its many forms.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack Short; sister, Hazel Sullivent; and three brothers, Russell, Loyd, and Reeves Rankin.

She is survived by her daughter, Jane Ann Short of Fort Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at Fort Smith National Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

Honorary pallbearers will be Stanley Rankin, Ronnie Rankin, Bobby Rankin, Gary Rankin, Terry Rankin, Bill Martin, Jimmy Sullivent, Tommy Sulivent, Nancy Martin, Linda Kimbley, Linda Rankin, Nina Hamlin, Julie Rankin, and Nancy Rankin