Frances Jean Hardesty

Frances Jean Hardesty "Shorty" "Shorty" Hardesty, a fourth generation native Arizonan passed away Oct 17 2009 in Cottonwood AZ. Born in Phoenix AZ Oct 13, 1943, she arrived in Tucson in 1945. Shorty attended SS Peter and Paul, graduated from Salpointe High School in 1961 and attended the University of Arizona. She was a gold medal AAU National, City and State Champion swimmer, a runner and natural athlete. Equally at home in her workshop, garden or kitchen, her surprise creations were a pleasure to behold or a delight to eat. Shorty was a unique, vibrant "force" who was curious, warm, talented, and above all, wildly silly. She was fiercely loyal and devoted to the people she loved and also to her many feathered and furred creatures. Shorty was predeceased by her parents Landon Hardesty and Mary Maffeo Hardesty. Her grandparents George Hardesty and Maud Suther Hardesty, Dominick Maffeo and Marie Power Maffeo. She is survived by her long time love, Gary Wagley of Cottonwood, her sisters Ann Hardesty Howard, Lannie Hardesty Hartman and Oot Hardesty Gourley (Bill) all of Tucson and her brother Steve Hardesty (Karen) of Bullhead City. Also surviving are 13 nieces and nephews. Shorty also leaves behind many mourning friends including "Best Buds", Eloise Carrillo and Gail Binnion. Memorial services are pending. An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com