Cathy Short

Cathy Lynn Short, age 77 of Dayton, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. She was born August 26, 1949 in Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth Short.

Cathy's passion for life was evident in her love for Elvis, her cherished dogs-Addy, Bosco, Snoopy Dog and Presley-and her fondness for elephants. Cathy delighted in traveling and watching horse races with her life partner and found joy in cherished moments shared over episodes of "The Young and the Restless" and Reba. At the end of the day, she enjoyed nothing more than smooth vanilla coke or a milkshake from Steak and Shake. 

Cathy's warmth and vibrant spirit touched everyone she met. Known for her radiant smile and infectious humor, she brightened countless lives as an orthodontist assistant for 20 years, retiring from Ryckman Orthodontist formerly Buerschen Orthodontist. She attended Belmont High School and graduated from Fairmont High School, Cathy was a joyful presence, never meeting a stranger and fondly considered a mother and grandmother to all.

Cathy is survived by her son, Brion (Christina) Smith; daughter, Kristine (Jeffrey) Parker; life partner, Jim; grandchildren, Jon (Sydney), Joey (Sharon), Brendon (Sara), Emma, Kaitlin (Tristan), Madison, Samuel and Marlissa; great grandchildren, Brooklyn, Carson, Korbin, Danni, Ozzy, Quinn, Scarlet, Emsley, Colton, Kaiden and Jackson; brothers, William Short and Christopher Short,

Visitation will be Wednesday, November 11, 2026 from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm with a funeral service at 2:00 pm at Woodland Cemetery Mausoleum (118 Woodland Ave, Dayton, OH 45409). She will be laid to rest following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Elephant Sanctuary in Cathy's honor.

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