Dortha Shorthouse

Dortha Inez Shorthouse, age 98, of Twin Falls, Idaho, passed away at Woodstone Assisted Living Facility on January 3, 2018.  She was born May 10, 1919 in Buhl, Idaho, to Glen and Nancy Roland. She graduated from Buhl High School in 1937 and Albion State Normal School in 1939.

She taught school in Wendell, Idaho, for two years, and Lincoln Elementary School in Twin Falls for one year before marrying Cleo Shorthouse on August 3, 1941 in Yuma, Ariz. 

Shortly thereafter, Cleo was called to serve our country in World War II.

During those war years Dortha taught kindergarten at the Hunt Relocation Center until it closed in 1945.

Seeing the need for children to have a good start and an introduction to education, Dortha started a private kindergarten for five-year-olds that she continued for 25 years.

Christianity was always an important part of Dortha’s life and the center of who she was. Prior to her passing she shared a few thoughts.

“I have been a member of the Christian Church all my life, first at Buhl First Christian and then

at First Christian Twin Falls. I have always felt very close to the Lord! He and I have had a wonderful relationship. I feel His presence all the time,” Dortha said.

Dortha served as a deaconess many times through the years and in other capacities in the Sunday School Department at the First Christian Church.  She was a discussion leader for Bible Study Fellowship for many years and was involved for 20 years.  It was during her years with BSF, that she obtained the title by her peers of “Queen Mum.”

Dortha celebrated 50 years of dedicated service as a member of Magic Chapter 29 Order of

Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron in 1977 and 1978.

Anyone who visited Dortha could always count on a home cooked feast or a chocolate malt.

Dortha was preceded in death by her husband Cleo; her parents Nancy & Glen Roland; brothers

Carl Roland and Ernie Roland; and, her son-in-law Scott Baumert.

Survivors include her sister Arlene (Duke) Florence of Filer; children, Pat (Rick) Walsh of Bountiful Utah, Kay Baumert of Twin Falls, and David (Debbie) Shorthouse of Melbourne Beach, Fla.; 11 Grand Children; and 18 Great Grand Children.

A Funeral Service will be held at Parke’s Funeral Home, Twin Falls, Idaho, on January 6th at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the College of Southern Idaho Foundation,

Dortha Shorthouse Memorial 315 Falls Avenue, Twin Falls Idaho 83301.