Mary Shorter

Mary Lou (McGlasson) Shorter, 85, of Ponca City, OK, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at her home.

Mary Lou was born on May 24, 1939, to James Reed and Oretha (Wilcoxon) McGlasson in Grenola, KS. She graduated from Winfield High School in 1957. 

On February 3, 1962, she married Thomas Joseph "Tom" Shorter in Oxford, KS. They lived in various locations in KS and OK before retiring in Long Beach, MS. After Tom’s passing in 2001, Mary Lou spent the final years of her life in Ponca City, OK.

Mary Lou and Tom owned and operated a painting and sandblasting company in KS and OK for 28 years. 

Those who knew Mary Lou, or “Gavy” as some affectionately called her, will remember her for her kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and deeply rooted faith in Jesus. She had an unwavering commitment to her family and friends. She loved traveling to tropical destinations, cruising, reading, going to movies, and being outside in the sunshine. She especially enjoyed a good cup of black coffee and a cigarette, playing Scrabble with her granddaughter, watching her grandson play basketball, visiting with family and friends, and spending time with her great-grandchildren.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Joseph "Tom" Shorter; her parents, James Reed and Oretha McGlasson; her three brothers, Donald J. McGlasson, David E. McGlasson, and Kenneth McGlasson; her sister, Alene Ware; her son, Michael T. Shorter; her best friend, Janet N. Shorter, and her sweet doggie “Prin” Princess. 

She is survived by her daughter, Paulla Ann Shetterly of Parker, CO; daughter-in-law, Tammy Shorter of Ponca City, OK; step son Tom Lowry and his wife Jeanice of Oxford, KS; brother, Ed McGlasson, his wife Teresa McGlasson and their granddaughter RaeLynn of Arkansas City, KS; sister-in laws Anne McGlasson of Arkansas City, KS and Ruelena McGlasson of Wakeeney, KS; granddaughter Taylor Shorter Knapp and her husband Brandon Knapp of Willis, TX; grandson Alec Shetterly and his wife Sierra Romano Shetterly of Westfield, IN; two great-grandchildren, Cameron and Scarlett; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Services will be held graveside at Moline Cemetery in Moline, KS, on April 19, 2025 at 11:00 am.