1936-2026
Fern was born to Elmer E. and Ruby E. Moreland of Bayard on Dec. 9, 1936. She grew up in Guthrie County and graduated from Guthrie Center High School 1955.
Fern was married to a military man and traveled extensively while raising a family of five children. Her travels took her to Turkey, Nebraska, Texas and Alaska. She remained in Texas for many years. While there she worked for Angelo State University in the campus library until retiring. She enjoyed reading as well as walking and was a longtime member of the San Angelo, Texas, walking club. She spent much of her time at church, participating in Bible study and civic activities. She spent many years delivering Meals on Wheels and serving as a poll worker during elections.
Fern moved to Colorado in 2016 to spend more time with her many grandchildren who lived in Colorado. For several years, she continued her love of reading and her church activities and added many grandchildren’s birthdays and sporting events, which kept her very busy.
Fern was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Ruby Moreland; her sister and brother-in-law, Fleta Mae and Richard Cox; her sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Daniel Camp; her sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Charles Finnegan; and her brother, Clifford Moreland.
Fern is survived by her son, Mike Short of Palmer Arkansas; her daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Jeff Wilkin of Arvada, Colorado; her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Vicki Short of Belton, Texas; her daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Gordon Hoyt of Toyah, Texas; her daughter and son-in-law, Theresa and Tim Morgan of Port Washington, Wisconsin. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held for Fern on May 23, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Bayard Cemetery in Bayard.