Obituary of Paula Jo Short
Paula Jo Wertenberger was born on July 6, 1962 at Ridgeway Hospital in Ridgeway, Michigan. She was one of three daughters born from the union of Herbert Eugene Wertenberger and Janet Marlene (Weilnau) Mayhugh. She attended Dundee Schools as a member of the Class of 1980.
Paula married Herbert Lee Short at St. John Lutheran Church in Dundee on October 21, 1978. The couple was blessed with two children. Paula painstakingly cared for the needs of her husband and children, often putting them ahead of her own. She was a free-spirit with a huge heart, trustworthy and generous. Although Paula could be quite stubborn and strong-willed, she had charm as long as the day. Her determination was impressive, and she made friends easily keeping them for life. Paula was willing to do anything for someone she loved. Later in life she received the gift of grandchildren. Known as “Granny Paula” she spoiled her grandkids every chance she had.
Paula was well-known to be a fabulous worker. She earned the respect of her managers wherever she went due to her ability to often outwork people half her age. She was willing to do whatever needed to be done and the skill set to do it all. For many years she was employed by Haight Properties, as a general laborer performing many janitorial duties. The past six years she had worked at Wendy's on South Monroe Street.
Paula Jo Short, age 60, of Monroe passed away at 4:50pm on Tuesday; July 19, 2022 at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital. Her passing was preceded by her husband on April 14, 1985; her mother on March 18, 2018; a stepfather: Louis Mayhugh; grandparents: Melvin and Ruth Wertenberger and Clarence and Mabel Weilnau; and a son-in-law: Jeremy Goins.
To cherish her memory she leaves a daughter: Jessica Goins of Monroe; a son: Jeremy (Brooke) Short of Luna Pier; her father and stepmother: Herbert and Jane Wertenberger of Dundee; two sisters: Polly (Martin) Gunjak of Dundee and Pamela Higgins of Monroe; and four grandchildren: Kiara (Jeremy) Sexton, Amira Williams, Harlynn Short, and Aviana Kontur.
A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 1:00pm on Saturday; July 30, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church; 108 Washington Street, Monroe, Michigan 48161. Cremation has taken place through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan. Her care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156. Burial of her cremated remains will take place at Pleasantview Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family to assist with funeral arrangements. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.