Wyona Imogene “YY” Short, 95, of Fort Wayne, passed away on June 4, 2026. Wyona was born on November 2, 1930 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Harry and Mildred E (Hertel) Meyer. She graduated from Southside High School (Fort Wayne, IN) and worked for a time at Lincoln Life. A Christmas party at the Gospel Temple was the first meeting for Wyona and her future husband, Laurel. They were married March 17, 1951. Wyona was a dutiful Army wife following Laurel to service stints in San Antonio, Battle Creek, Baltimore, and San Francisco. These times were some of the best of their young lives as they made wonderful memories enjoying crabcakes in Baltimore and the seafood of the San Francisco wharf. Along the way, she worked at various jobs including candy maker and office worker. After the military, Wyona and Laurel were blessed to travel the world, including 48 states, Europe, New Zealand, and the Caribbean.
Wyona was blessed with beautiful blue eyes and a beautiful smile to match but it was just the outward appearance of an even more beautiful heart and deep love for people. Even to her last days, she was a bright light to all who were blessed to cross her path.
Wyona was the consummate homemaker to her family. She was a talented seamstress. Among many other things, she was involved in school activities, a hockey mom, a family taxicab driver, and a church nursery worker.
Wyona’s sense of humor and her infectious laugh will be missed by all. At family events, it was sport to see who could get the biggest laugh out of her. Her love for and dedication to her family were unmatched and her love for Laurel was an inspiration to all who knew them and a solid example of what a Christian marriage should look like. Wyona loved the Lord from a young age, most recently worshipping at Northeast Christian Church. When asked her advice for young people, she would always lead them to follow the Golden Rule.

Wyona is survived by her daughters Denise Short, Doreen (Erick) Eastes, and Sandra (the late Phillip) Glines; her grandson Darren Glines; granddaughters Casey (Cody) Krueger, Madison (Andrew) Blake, Natalie Eastes, Samantha Eastes, and Roma Eastes; Her sister Wanda Meyer, sister-in-law Joyce Robarge and brother-in-law Bob Carter; and her cherished great grandchildren Caleb Krueger and Calla Krueger.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Laurel; her son, Kerrwin Short; brother Dale (Carole) Meyer; sisters, Dorothy (Pete) Lee, Maralyn Barger; and sister-in-law, LaVonne Carter. Visitation will be held at Northeast Christian Church (4900 Stellhorn Fort Wayne, IN) on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 from 10 am - 11:30am. A funeral service will immediately follow at 11:30 am. The burial at Concordia Cemetery Gardens, Fort Wayne, will follow the service. Memorial donations in Wyona’s name may be given to Pacific Garden Mission (1458 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60607). FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.