John Louie Shorty

Shorty, John Louie

12/22/1942-08/23/2026

On Sunday morning, August 23, 2026, John Shorty peacefully passed away at the age of 83. He was born into the Kinyaa’aani (Towering House clan), with his paternal clan being the Naakai dine’ e’ (Mexican Clan). Called home by our Creator, John has begun his journey to the spiritual world to join our ancestors. Despite his silent battles with pancreatic cancer, he remained strong throughout. He found joy in sitting outside, enjoying the fresh air and sunlight with his dog, Donald, and spending quality time with his only son. His passion for steaming hot coffee never wavered. Each morning, he would wake early and offer prayers with corn pollen to the North, South, West, and East. John was born on the Navajo Reservation near Borrego Pass, New Mexico, to his biological mother, Mary Antone Louie, and his father, Sam Dale Louie, both of whom passed away when John was barely 2-3 years old. He had one biological late brother named Frank Louie, and later he was welcomed into a new family that soon included eight younger sisters: Shirley Lee, Lorraine Valenski, Irma Shorty, Anna Willie, Kathy Lee, the late Lula Shorty, and Shirleen Belin. He married his college sweetheart, Elsie Shorty, in a Traditional Navajo Basket Wedding. Together, they had two children: a daughter, Valerie, and a son, Dario. John was a proud Vietnam War veteran and was known as a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, Ironworker, friend, and a devoted citizen of the Navajo Nation. He is survived by his son Dario, daughter Valerie Shorty, and granddaughter Adriana Gray. From a young age, John was raised by his father, Tom Shorty, and mother, Juanita A. Shorty, from Becenti, Toodi Tsin. He attended various boarding schools and graduated from Gallup High School in 1963. Before joining the Army, he taught at Fort Wingate Elementary School. He then studied Engineering at Northern Arizona University and became a dedicated Ironworker. John was strong, had exceptional coordination and balance, and walked with effortless grace. He applied his knowledge to every goal he pursued.

During his service in the Army, he spent time in Thailand, South Korea, and Japan, where he developed a love for Asian food and culture. In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with family, engaging with fellow veterans, and helping others by hauling water or chopping wood. John had a deep passion for sports, including football, basketball, boxing, rodeos, and long jump, which he practiced daily. He also enjoyed watching the news, reading newspapers, and, of course, drinking coffee. He wrote letters to his parents, Tom and Juanita, by airmail every other week from the places he visited, often sending his mother fine silky fabrics from abroad, though he rarely spoke of his experiences there. John married the love of his life, Elsie Austin Shorty, from Black Mesa, Arizona, and they celebrated 52 wonderful years of marriage. He was a warm, kind-hearted man who never wished to harm anyone or anything. He cared little for material possessions and sought happiness in life. He rarely discussed his time in the Army but was honorably discharged and received several medals, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Rifle M-14. John and Elsie met during a double date in college at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. They fell in love and became inseparable, enjoying laughter, teasing each other, and sharing many common interests. "When tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I will be right there in your heart."

A celebration of John's life will be held at a later date.