Obituary of Eleanor J. Shortle

Eleanor J. Shortle, a long time Town of Poughkeepsie resident, slipped gently away from this life on November 16, 2018 in Poughkeepsie, NY.

She was born July 14, 1928 in Wichita, Kansas, daughter of the late Alvin C. and Grace M. (Hodgson) Wright,  sister to Austin and David Wright (both deceased) and Rosemary Smith. Ellie graduated Norwich Rural High School and attended Kansas State University. She married Jack K. Shortle on September 1, 1947. They moved to New York in 1954, where she was active in Girl Scouts, Genealogy Club, ADK and the Evergreen Chorus. Ellie completed her AAS degree in accounting at Dutchess Community College in 1983. During retirement, Ellie and Jack hiked the entire 2,100 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Ellie was an avid kayaker with ADK and worked out at Gold’s Gym regularly right up to her unexpected death.

Ellie is survived by her six children and their spouses, Molly and Rusty Sharp, John Shortle, Margaret Atkins, Mark and Nancy Shortle, Susan Shortle, and Janet and Al Algiere. She has twelve grandchildren, Elspeth Miller, Scott, Chris and Patrick Shortle, Alan, Eric and Jeremy Atkins, Bradley, Jacquie and David Olson, Denise and Fred Algiere. Ellie also has five great grandchildren, Ayame and Talbot Miller, Zondra Atkins, Rowan and Ivy Shortle.

She will be remembered always for her love of life, active enjoyment of outdoor activities and deep love for her family. Ellie had determination, a strong will, a sense of fun, and caring for those around her. We are all blessed for knowing her. We are missing you, Mom.

Calling hours will be on November 28, 2018 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Straub, Catalano and Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls. Funeral Services will follow calling hours beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, South Avenue, Poughkeepsie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Nature Conservancy, www.nature.org.

For directions or to send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.