Connie K. Short

Connie K. Short, 80, of Pleasant Valley, Iowa, passed away at her home on Friday, January 24, 2025. A devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and dear friend to many, Connie's life was a testament to faith, family, and friendship.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 18137 Criswell Street, Pleasant Valley, where she was an active and faithful member for over 50 years. She will be laid to rest at the Rock Island National Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 29 at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf and again from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church, prior to the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Connie's Running Trail Bench Fund at https://gofund.me/ad05c2e7.

Born on July 12, 1944, in Davenport, Iowa, Connie was the daughter of Lester and Esther (Wolf) Leatherman. She graduated from Davenport West High School in 1962. On November 16, 1963, she married Gerald "Jerry" A. Short in Davenport. Their 61 years together were filled with love, laughter, and mutual devotion. They were each other's constant source of support and encouragement, and their enduring bond was an inspiration to all who knew them.

Connie's life was enriched by her deep love for her family. She was a proud and attentive mother to her daughters, Kim and Pamela, and an adoring grandmother to Ashley, Audree, Hayley, and Kara. She formed unique and lasting relationships with each, sharing her wisdom, warmth, and sense of humor with them. 

A woman of boundless energy, Connie found joy and fulfillment in an active lifestyle. She was a passionate runner who participated in numerous marathons, half-marathons, and 10K races, and she took particular pride in competing and placing in the annual Bix-7 race for many years. At the peak of her running career, she ran an astonishing 3,000 miles in a single year, employing her signature "Shorty Shuffle" stride. She was a longtime member of the Corn Belt Running Club and the Davenport/Bettendorf YMCAs, where she formed lifelong friendships with her fellow "Y Ladies". Connie's love of movement extended beyond running to include volleyball, fitness classes, and, in recent years, Silver Sneakers classes.

Connie's warmth and kindness extended far beyond her immediate family. She cultivated deep and lasting friendships that brought her great joy throughout her life. She treasured her relationships with her friends, church community, and fellow fitness enthusiasts, and she was known for her generosity, sense of humor, and unwavering support for those she loved.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Gerald Short; her daughters, Kim (Tony) Nethercott and Pamela Tomes; her granddaughters, Ashley Nethercott, Audree Nethercott (Kresimir) Radich, Hayley Tomes, and Kara Tomes; her brother, John (Darlene) Leatherman, and many beloved friends.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Doug Leatherman, in 2018, and by her parents, Esther and Lester Leatherman.

Connie's life was a blessing to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by those she leaves behind. 

Condolences may be expressed to the family by viewing her obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.