Shorty Fry, aka, Ora Pearl Fry (80), took her highway into Heaven on August 8, 2018, after a valiant struggle. It is difficult to write the obituary about Shorty as she was so many things to so many people, but from the lyrics of a song written by her good friend, Lee McCullough: she’s a Mom, been a wife; She’s a liver of life; She’s the first lady hero I’ve met; She’s a rider and a clown; and she’s sure been around; She’s as women as woman can get; She goes through life, not the other way around; she sets her stance and she’s firm on the ground: She’s the only true pearl that I’ve ever found; O’ it’s nice to have Shorty around.

Shorty was born on October 23, 1937, to the daughter of Tjeerd and Mamie Reyenga. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers James, Eddie, and Billy and sisters Effie Calhoun and Edith Warren. Shorty was the youngest of 9 brothers and sisters and was raised in Arkansas. She was married to Roy Dale Fry for 13 years, where she fell in love with a rancher’s life and rode and trained horses. She moved to Texas and spent 17 years working for 2-Alarm Chili.  In 1994, Shorty received a call from her best friend, Tom Nall, with an opportunity to manage the Conejos River Guest Ranch in Antonito, CO.  This was Shorty’s dream come true and this is where she spent her remaining years until she retired in 2015.  In the last few years, she enjoyed many road trips and spent countless fun filled hours with her new love, Bob Turner. Shorty loved all the people that visited the ranch and those that lived in the Canyon. Her big love was her family and her animals, and they will all miss her her terribly.

Shorty is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Shuptrine and her husband Robert.  Three Grandchildren, Stephanie Money, Chad Bryan and wife Kelci, Chuck Shuptrine and wife Mamie; 11 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great-Granddaughter; Three Brothers, Johnny, Sebron and Gerald. She is also survived by so many wonderful nieces and nephews that she loved dearly, as well as a plethora of dear friends.

The Celebration of Shorty’s Life will be held on September 15, 2018 at The Conejos River Guest Ranch 25390 CO-17, Antonito, CO 81120 at 4:00pm, followed by the spreading of ashes at the Conejos River.  There will also be a 2nd service in Hope, Arkansas to be determined at a later date.

To leave online condolences please visit romerofuneralhomes.com. Services provided by Romero Funeral Home, Antonito, Colorado.  Memorial contributions can be made to Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741.

Ride on Shorty!