Altha Lavora McBride Short peacefully went to be with the Lord May 14th, 2022 at home in Braman, Oklahoma.  She had just celebrated her 92nd birthday.  A celebration of her life will be held Friday, May 20, 2022, at 1:00pm at the Blackwell Church of Christ, Blackwell, Oklahoma, with Pastor Lanny Jobe officiating.  Burial will follow at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Ponca City.  Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel, 2016 N 14th St., Ponca City, OK 74601.

   Lavora was born on the family farm in Dill City, Oklahoma on May 10, 1930, to Virgil and Alma (Eddings) McBride, and was the third of eight children.  Her family farmed broomcorn and picked cotton until Continental Oil Company brought them to settle in Ponca City. She attended Ponca City schools where she met the love of her life Raymond (Bud) Short.  She was 15 and Bud was 16 when they married, and to that union were born eight sons and one daughter.  They later adopted another daughter rounding the number to ten loving children.

   Lavora was a housewife and owner/operator of a café.  She was an awesome cook and did lots of it when her children were at home.  More than once it was said that she made the very best banana pudding!  Bud was a horse trader and Lavora traveled with him all over the country buying and selling horses and turquoise jewelry.  

   After her children were reared, she and Bud moved to Missouri and worked at Silver Dollar City in Branson.  Bud played and sang with Horse Creek Band and many people remember Lavora from getting their picture made in the Tin-Type Photo Booth.  She also was a really good square-dancer and entertained at the Shepherd of the Hills venue.

   Lavora had two loving Church of Christ families.  One in Forsyth, Missouri while living there and her home church in Blackwell.  The wonderful people making up the church families were very special and she never quit talking about them.  Hats were her way of dressing up for Sunday services, and she wore one every week.  For anyone who wants to honor Lavora, please wear your favorite hat to her farewell celebration.

   She is survived by her children; son, Chris and wife Linda of Marland; son, Brad and wife Sonya of Blackwell; daughter, Coleen Blevins of Braman; son, Mark and wife Valerie of Blackwell; son, Melburn (Runt) and wife Joni of Bixby; daughter, Connie Short of Chandler; 24 grandchildren; numerous great and great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; brothers, Dale McBride and Jack McBride; sisters, Annetta Monse and Lawauna Clinton. 

   Lavora was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Alma; husband, Bud; infant sons, Richard and Rowdy; sons, Steve and Rodney; grandson, Cody Freeman; brothers, Doyle and Dwight McBride; sister, Natoma Scruggs.

   Pallbearers will be Chris Short, Brad Short, Mark Short, Runt Short, Luke Short, and Cory Freeman.  Honorary casket bearer is Coleen Blevins.

   The family is abundantly grateful to all the caregivers who put a wonderful smile on Lavora’s face every day.   

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Blackwell Church of Christ, 1035 S. Main, Blackwell, OK  74631 or Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview Ave., Ponca City, OK  74601.