Obituaries

Jonna Annete (Mattson) Short, age 57, of Rudyard, Michigan, died on November 11, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on September 7, 1968, in Long Beach, New Jersey, to Albin and Myrtle (Fisher) Mattson.

Jonna grew up in Newberry, Michigan, and later moved with her family to Lansing, Michigan, and then to Kincheloe, Michigan. As a proud “Base Brat,” she lived in many different places throughout her childhood. She graduated from Rudyard Area Schools. Jonna worked a variety of jobs over the years before making Rudyard her home and raising her three boys. After many years together at Wood Forrest, a wood product plant in Kincheloe, she married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Jeffrey Short, on July 25, 2003, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Jonna spent many years working at the Rudyard Co-op, where she became a familiar and friendly face in the hardware department for over nine years. She also worked several winter seasons for H&R Block and spent her summers working at the Back Woods Farmers Market.

A lover of the outdoors, Jonna found joy in bird watching, especially owls, and she carried a deep knowledge of them. She also enjoyed nature photography and tending to the flowers in her garden, passions that reflected her quiet appreciation for the natural world.

Jonna is survived by her husband, Jeff; sons, Jesse D. (Liz Thompson) Short of Mackinac Island, Michigan, Jared D. (Harley) Short of Rudyard, and Jaxon D. Short of Rudyard; grandchildren, Julia A. Short and Waylon Short; father, Albin Mattson; brothers, Albin Mattson Jr. of Newberry, William (Debbie) Mattson of Illinois, Joseph (Bonnie) Mattson of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Leon (Tracy) Mattson of Grand Rapids; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jonna was preceded in death by her mother, Myrtle; and in-laws, Laurel "Jack" Short Jr. and Willia Maxine Short.

A Celebration of Life will be held in 2026 at the family home.

Memorial donations in Jonna’s honor may be made to McLaren Home Care & Hospice, 360 Connable Ave. Petoskey, MI 49770.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Pickford assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.familylifefh.com.