Valda Elizabeth Gochenour Short

Valda Elizabeth Gochenour Short was born February 21, 1933, the ninth of fourteen children, to Fred and Vertie (Hinton) Gochenour in Luray Virginia. Valda grew up knowing how to work. She passed away on October 17, 2026, one day after her 72nd Wedding Anniversary.

Following graduation she did some VS service work in Florida. Following her time of service, she moved to Ohio to help her sister Alma Rupp. She attended youth group, where she met Marlin Short. Marlin and Valda were married October 16, 1954, then moved to Erie, PA where Marlin served his 1-W Service.

Later they moved back to the Archbold area. Valda was a stay-at-home mom. She helped with any chores around the farm – even driving the tractor to work the ground. After the children were grown, she went to work at Schlagel’s in West Unity and later worked at the Doughbox in Archbold making pies.

Left to cherish her memories are her husband, Marlin; four children, Gwen (Mike) Nofziger of Lyons, Michael (Peg Wyse) of Archbold, Sharon (Dale deceased) VonDeylen of Napoleon and Randy (Deb Shetterly deceased) of Archbold; thirteen grandchildren, Stacy, Kim, Brad, Tony, Laurie, Adam, Kayla, Tyler, Erin, Eric, Jessica, Becca and Emily; two step-grandchildren, Chris and Keri; 26 great-grandchildren; 3 step-great-grandchildren; a sister, Ruth Stump; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and 12 siblings, Hilda Moyer, Ned Gochenour, Keith Gochenour, Elwood Gochenour, Alma Rupp, Dorothy Gochenour, Nelson Gochenour, Joyce Keyser, Lennis Lucas, Garnett Gochenour, Rena Lesko and Carson Gochenour.

Services for Valda will be held on Tuesday, October 27, at 11 AM at Tedrow Mennonite Church. Internment will precede in the Pettisville Cemetery at 9:30 AM. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 26, from 3-7 PM at the church. The family suggests that memorials be given to Tedrow Mennonite Church, Fairlawn Haven or the donor’s choice. www.ShortFuneralHome.com