Ralph Shortley

February 11, 1953 - July 30, 2013

Ralph Plumb Shortley, age 60, of Milford, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at the Milford Nursing Center in Milford, Iowa, after fighting courageously for ten months with stage four lung cancer. He was born on February 11, 1953, in Spirit Lake, to Rush and Helen (Huff) Shortley II. Ralph was known around the Lakes Area by many people. He was a barge operator with Danbom Lakeside Engineering for over forty years. Every spring out on the lakes putting the boat hoists in and taking them out in the fall, enduring all kinds of weather. Ralph also worked a couple of years as a waiter at Maxwell's in Spencer. Ralph is survived by his two sons, Hayden and Luther Shortley of Milford; his friend, Michele Shortley of Milford; brother, Rush M. Shortley III of Iowa City; sister, Elsie June Malone, and her husband, Carl of Rio Ranchero, New Mexico; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial visitation will be held Sunday, August 4, 2013, from 2:00P.M. until 4:00P.M. at the Schuchert Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Ralph's name. The Schuchert Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.