Published on February 6, 2026 3:13 pm
Last Updated on February 6, 2026 3:13 pm
Clara G. Short age 90, of Newton, Illinois passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Carle Richland Memorial Long Term Care.
Funeral services celebrating Clara’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the Central Christian Church, Newton, Illinois. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Monday, February 9th, 2026, in the church and from 9:30 a.m. until time of services on Tuesday. Burial will be in the Chapel Cemetery, Newton, Illinois.
Clara was born on December 31, 1935, in Jasper County, Illinois, the daughter of Benjamin and Grace (Foote) Bunton. On May 25, 1958, Clara married Max Short. They shared fifty-nine years together before his passing on December 19, 2017. Clara retired from the Jasper County Health Department, after twenty years of service. She continued her dedication to Health Department by serving as a board member. Prior to working at the health department, Clara was a secretary for Dr. Riley and the Newton Press Mentor. She also clerked in the Jasper County Clerk’s office under Alma LeFever. Clara was a faithful member of the Central Christian Church. For many years, Clara was the song leader and Sunday school teacher at Falmouth Church of Christ. In her free time, Clara enjoyed canning, watching sports and spending time with her family.
Clara will be loved and remembered by her sons, Jeff Short, wife Julie, Todd Short, and Kevin Short, wife Amy all of Newton; four grandchildren, Emily Benefiel, Lucas Matson, and Ellie Burris, husband Bryant all of Newton and Kyle Pittman, wife Jessa of Kokomo, IN; five great-grandchildren, Henry Will, Holden Benefiel, Anistyn Benefiel, Maddox Pittman, and Zhane Pittman.
Her parents, husband Max, granddaughter Kyra Sidwell, brothers, Cloyce Bunton, Gerald “Red” Bunton, William Bunton, and sisters Marie Clennon, Margarite Jackson and Cathy Vaughn preceded her in death.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jasper County Blessings in a Backpack.
To the dedicated nurses and caregivers of Carle Richland Long Term Care, we are deeply grateful for the kindness, care and comfort shown to our mother and grandmother, Clara. Your unwavering dedication was truly a gift to our family and will always be remembered. With heartfelt gratitude, The Short Family