"As our family lived in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area in the 1950's and 1960's, my mother, Dora Travis, also a fellow friend and ZETA sorority sister, also enjoyed ZETA bridge parties and picnics, heralding us to enjoy any ZETA family events. Dora was thrilled to attend these events and socialize with all you sorority "gals." I thank you, Marian Shortridge, for making my mother's life a more happy and fulfilling life, and including her in your own life. Jennifer Travis"
In loving memory of
Marian Elizabeth Ponsford Shortridge
August 18, 1922 - July 3, 2021
Marian Elizabeth Ponsford Shortridge peacefully passed from this world on July 3, 2021. Our mother was born in El Paso, Texas, on August 18th, 1922. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Donald Budd Shortridge, and is survived by their four children: Jean Shortridge McSpadden Dickover (Jim), Claire Shortridge Sievers (Gary), Nancy Shortridge Sowers (Jerry), Richard Donald Shortridge (Peggy), 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, nearly all of whom live in the Phoenix area.
While working on her degree at UTEP, she went to a USO dance at Fort Bliss with a date, met Dad, ditched the date, and left with him. As he finished his tour of duty in North Africa during WWII, Mom finished her Bachelor's in Business and married Dad the day after she graduated in 1944. The next few years found her working to put Dad through law school at the University of Arizona. They then moved to Phoenix, bought a house near Indian School Road and 19th Avenue and started their family. This was to be their home for the next fifty-three years. In 1950 it was still in the county, and she would take us to visit the sheep farm a few blocks away. She was a stay-at-home Mom, supporting us in our schoolwork, taxiing us to music lessons, scouts, ballet, flying lessons, doctor's appointments, church and more. Ultimately, Mom and Dad put us all through college. One of the great gifts our parents gave us was to support us in our interests and abilities, which they encouraged by allowing us to explore opportunities in which we were interested. Much of what we learned by being able to explore these ideas became our life's work and lifetime passions. Mom and Dad were always there at concerts, science fairs, games and other activities and often volunteered to help. When we were all in school, Mom went to work for Dad as his legal secretary and they worked together for 25 years. They continued to show interest in our lives, and in our children's lives, even as we moved into adulthood.
Mom also found time to be active in the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Florence Crittenton Home and the ZETA Sorority from which she received a 75 year Lifetime Achievement Award. She loved to travel, was a masterful bridge player, and she also loved to host and wind down with her weekly bridge parties. Mom enjoyed her stay of over 15 years at Phoenix Fellowship Square, enjoying her many friends and activities. Mom truly lived a selfless life for her family. As a beloved Wife, Mother, Grammy and Grandma, we all loved her, and she knew it. . As Mom faded away, we would tell her we loved her, and right to the end, she would invariably reply, "I love you, too".
A memorial service is pending and as an expression of sympathy, donations in her name can me made to: Christian Care Fellowship Square Phoenix Attn: Foundation 2002 W Sunnyside Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85029
Tributes
"My favorite memory of Marian was a trip we took with our church Saguaro Club to Michigan. We saw fields of colorful tulips and visited many regional destinations. We laughed a lot, and shared late night snacks as roommates. She was a delight!"