Pauline Mae Short

Pauline Mae Short, lovingly known as “Polly” and “Grandma Pie,” passed away in the early morning of Friday, September 19, 2025, in Butte, Montana. She lived a long and beautiful life, recently celebrating her 94th birthday. Pauline was born on August 19, 1931, to Durwood and Marie Quigley. The second of seven children, she spent her early years in Eastern Montana. Born in Lewistown, she lived there until the family moved to Conrad in 1936, and later to Broadview in 1943. Her father worked on a ranch in Broadview where Pauline attended a small country school. She and her siblings often rode horses to school or walked a mile to catch the bus. In 1947, the Quigleys settled in Martinsdale where Pauline graduated from Harlowton High School. As a girl, she was known for caring for her younger siblings and helping with chores around the house- traits she carried throughout her life. Pauline met her husband, Bill Short, at the Bon-Ton Drug Store in Lewistown. They married on June 3, 1950, in Billings. Soon after, Bill was activated full-time for the Korean War. After a few years in Lewistown, Bill’s job with the Milwaukee Railroad transferred them to Three Forks where they settled to raise their five children. Pauline built a happy home where family and friends were always cared for, so long as none of the kids broke curfew. During these years, Pauline worked as a dental assistant while forming close friendships and staying active in the Holy Family Parish. Above all, Pauline treasured time with her family. Her years with Bill were filled with adventures across Montana, from driving in search of the best cup of coffee to traveling to Bozeman, Butte, and Great Falls to watch their grandchildren’s school and sporting events. With one daughter living out of state, she and Bill visited whenever possible. Summers in Three Forks often brought relatives together, with fresh vegetables from the garden prepared for family meals. Pauline made sure no one ever left their house hungry. After 55 years of marriage, Bill passed away in 2005. Pauline later moved to Bozeman to be close to her son Tim. In her final years, Pauline resided at The Springs Assisted Living in Butte where she made new friends and found comfort in the care and kindness of the dedicated staff. The family would like to extend a special acknowledgement to Andrew Zemljak, whom Pauline adored for his kindness and encouraging yet assertive support. Pauline was preceded in death by her husband, Bill N. Short; parents, Durwood and Marie Quigley; brothers Leo A. Quigley, Joe D. Quigley, and Dan W. Quigley; sisters Bernice W. Lambardy and Joyce I. Massing; and son-in-law Russell DeMars. She is survived by her sister, Doris W. Pallett; sisters-in-law Alice Quigley, Ethel Quigley, Judy Quigley and Marlene Short; children Connie McMurray, Kim Krueger (Kurt), Bill Short (Linda), Maradi DeMars, and Tim Short; grandchildren Jeff Short (Bobbi Jo), Trent Short (Raylene), Nick McMurray, Tara Palmer (Aki), Krista Krueger (Brian Ellingwood), Derrick Krueger (Taryn Strope), Kelli DeMars, and William DeMars; and great-grandchildren Spiro Palmer, Stavros Palmer, Allysa Short, Bridger Short, Gavin Short, Garrett Short, Gabriella Short, Nolan DeMars, Benson DeMars, and Gabby DeMars. Grandma Pie waves to us all with a smile from her window. Memorials in her name may be made to the Special Olympics of Montana or a charity of your choice. Her son, Tim, was a proud member of the Special Olympics, and over the years Pauline greatly enjoyed watching him and his friends compete. In accordance with Pauline’s wishes, a private family gathering will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Three Forks, MT, to celebrate her life.

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Pauline Mae Short

August 19, 1931 - September 19, 2025