Orville 'Shorty' Elva Robertson

Orville Elva “Shorty” Robertson, son of the late William Ira and Artie Mae (Ragsdale) Robertson, was born on October 7, 1924 in Bendavis, Missouri, and passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2013 at his residence in Mtn. Grove, Missouri, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 89 years and 3 days of age.
Orville grew up and attended school in the Bendavis area. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II in Rhineland and Central Europe. He entered the service on August 31, 1944 and was honorably discharged on June 24, 1946 as a Private. He received the American Theater Ribbon, the EAME Theater Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars, the Distinguished Unit Badge, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Orville was united in marriage to Virginia Blacksher on October 4, 1945 in Salem, Arkansas. Two daughters, Tamara and Trevia, were born to this union.
Following his retirement from being an over-the-road truck driver, Orville took up woodworking. He especially liked doing fretwork, making beautiful clocks, baskets, bowls and tables.
He volunteered and later worked for the Hillcrest Cemetery, making sure the grounds were beautiful and well groomed for the many families and friends of those who are buried there. He was also involved with the selection of the cemetery’s entrance arches. He was very dedicated and proud of his involvement at the cemetery.
Orville enjoyed life and those around him. He loved to visit with his many neighbors and friends in the community and especially enjoyed being around his early morning “pals” at the coffee shops.
He was a devoted member of the Almost Home Ministries Church in Mtn. Grove and enjoyed attending services.
Orville was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend and neighbor. He will be truly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother: Earl Robertson; three sisters: Fay Blackman, Helen Maxville, and Bernice Sexton.
He is survived by his loving wife: Virginia Robertson of their home; his daughters; Tamara Berry and Trevia Collins and her husband, Larry, all of Mtn. Grove; six brothers: Dale Robertson of Mtn. Grove, Dean Robertson and his wife, Sharon, of Springfield, Missouri, Robert Robertson and his wife, Teresa, of Kansas City, Missouri, Norman Robertson and his wife, Sue, of Kansas City, Missouri, Don Robertson of Mtn. Grove, and Francis Robertson and his wife, Fern, of Mtn. Grove; one sister: Shirley Goforth and her husband, Warren, of St. Robert, Missouri; three grandchildren: Michelle Ratka, Bradley Collins, and Heather Johnson; ten great-grandchildren: Kevin Ratka, Amanda Fitch, Christopher Collins, Ryan Collins, Caleb Binkley, Brianna Collins, Bethany Johnson, Nicholas Ratka, Nathan Ratka, and Waylon Johnson; and one great-great-grandson: Bentley Ratka; and other relatives and friends.

Memorial Contributions:
The Gideons International c/o the funeral home.