Ella Mae Short

Ella Mae Short:  Born 02. 01. 1930 in Pearcy, Arkansas to Will and Betty Eddlemon and entered into rest on 08.16.2021 in Gridley, California.  

Ella Mae had five brothers and one sister:

Thurman Eddlemon, Wallace Eddlemon, Roy Eddlemon, Henry Eddlemon, Lloyd Eddlemon and Floy Sarafin, all of which have preceded her in death.  

Four children: 

 Melinda Widener, Danny Short and DeNell Short.   Preceding her in death, Alvan Short. 

Nine Grandchildren: 

Shannyn (Danny) Williams, Dena (Mike) Wofford, Wes (Jessica) Widener, Jason (Sarah) Hindman, Nathan Hindman, Bobby Short, Brandyn (Kim) Short and JoElla (Mike) Domoe

Preceding her in death, Honey Ray.

Seventeen Great Grandchildren: Darus Williams, Trent Williams,  Hunter Jones, Marrissa Widener, Cole Widener, Sofie Widener, Ethan Hindman, Gavin Hindman, Kayla Short, Clayton Short,  Charley Truex, Mikey Truex, Haizlee Hindman, Revalee Hindman, Bryceson Hindman, Aria Domoe and Zuri Domoe.

Two Great Great Grandchildren: 

Emberly Williams and Myles Williams

Ella Mae attended most of her schooling at Pearcy School in Arkansas. She then attended school in Phoenix. When she graduated the 8th grade, she did not want to move to the 9th grade, so she repeated the 8th grade again. She moved out of her parent’s home sometime around 17-18 years old. She packed her suitcase and took the bus to Hot Springs, where she shared an apartment with her best friend Mary Ann Lively. They both worked at the Candy factory in Hot Springs. She attended a singing school, as well.

                        Ella Mae knew of a boy named Paul, but only as a friend within the group of friends they both ran around with. However, in June of 1948 she saw him with a different look in her eye.  He had recently returned home from the Army. His brother R.J was dating Ella Mae’s best friend Mary Ann, and the 4 of them did a lot of double dating, had a lot of fun and from what we hear, they certainly enjoyed “those girl’s” good cookin’.  All through the years, Ella Mae was notorious for her biscuits and chocolate gravy which she began making at the young age of about 6 or 7 years old. She also mastered her home made banana pudding, which she definitely did not get from a box (certain family members have been known to say… Grandma made that for me! )  Her wonderful cooking was enjoyed by numerous friends and family for many years. 

Paul and Ella Mae got married in October of 1948 and moved from Arkansas to Texas for a short time. That is where they began their family. They had their first child, and named her Melinda. Shortly after, they spent time in California and Washington, working wherever they could. They both picked cotton, Paul worked at a gas station and in an apple packing company, where, almost every day, he would choose a perfect, big red polished apple and take home to Ella Mae. They ended up making their home in Live Oak California with their other children they accumulated along the way, Danny, Alvan and DeNell.   This is where they lived for many years. They worked hard on the farm. They had pigs, cows, chickens and a banty rooster that would chase you the minute you turned your back. Ella went to milk the cow one day and it wasn’t in the mood.  Halfway through the milking process, she decided she was done. The bucket went one way, the milk went another and Ella Mae went home.  They grew a garden big enough for the entire town, but they also played, hunted, fished, swam, and enjoyed playing music and singing around the piano in their little country home. They attended church faithfully, and spent many wonderful times camping in the mountains. They loved spending time with extended family and friends, but as their day would come to an end, you could count on them joining in family prayer before bedtime.

Paul and Ella Mae moved from Live Oak, Ca. to Yuba City, Ca. where they bought and ran a Care home for a short time, then moved to Oroville, Ca. in 1979. This is where they made their final home.  

Ella Mae began experiencing medical issues a few years ago, which unfortunately, became worse with time.  Paul remained her primary caregiver, and took wonderful care of her until her needs became greater than he was able to provide for.  She was admitted to a facility just a few miles from her home, and this is where she resided until her death. Paul was faithful to visit her regularly and when allowed, spent days and nights with her to help with her confusion.  When he wasn’t allowed to visit, he called her numerous times a day and without fail, he would say “do you know who you’re talking to?, she would reply “ well of course I do! You’re my husband!)  He looked forward to spending time with her, and never showed up empty handed. Always with a smile, carrying her a milkshake, or a Pepsi and candy kisses, or flowers and balloons or sometimes, just some fresh tomatoes from the garden.  She was so happy and excited to see him.. still…. after almost 73 years…  

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