Ita Maxine "Shorte" Highsmith

Ita Maxine Shorte Highsmith, 88-year-old lifetime Welch resident, passed away early Monday, August 22, 2022, at her home. She was born on March 29, 1934, in Welch to Rufus Paul Shine Armstrong and Elizabeth Arminta (Vicory) Armstrong. Shorte was a 1952 graduate of Welch High School. She was united in marriage to Dennis F. Bud Highsmith on September 20, 1952, in Bentonville, Arkansas. They lived in the Welch area their entire lives. Shorte worked at the Welch Hospital for a few years, then for Craig County in the Clerk s office, then a short time at the Welch State Bank, and then back to Craig County in the Treasurer s office. In 1977 she ran for Craig County Clerk, and was elected to that office. She served Craig County as their clerk from 1977 to 1996, when she retired. Shorte was a very active member of the Welch Christian Church. She was also a longtime member of the Welch Round Up Club and the Kappa Nu Sorority. Shorte served on the Welch Educational Foundation and was awarded the Outstanding Alumni Award. What she enjoyed and loved the most were her children and grandchildren, and she was an avid Welch Wildcat fan.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bud in 2008, a son, Grant Highsmith in 2019, a daughter, Kristie Diane Highsmith in 1952, brothers, Jack and Kay Armstrong, and sister, Wilma Oney.
The family includes her children, Greg Highsmith (Becky), Chris Highsmith (Vicki), both of Vinita, Kyle Highsmith (Lisa) of Miami, daughter in law Robin Highsmith of Talala, siblings, Verla Smith of Nowata, Dean Harden of Welch, Vivian Helms of Miami, Dixie Heflin of Pittsburg, Kansas, Bud Armstrong of Commerce, Joe Armstrong (Cindy) of Vinita, sister in law, Carol Armstrong of Welch, grandchildren, Terrance Vail (Bryant), Cory Highsmith (Sarah), Jesse Highsmith, Cameron Dennis (Sam), Whitney Collins (Seth), Ashley Highsmith, Haley Chenoweth (Casey), Nicholas Highsmith (Madeline), Hunter Highsmith (Frances), Natalie Highsmith, great-grandchildren, Brannan, Malynna, Gavin, Drake, Rush, Jeremiah, Zane, Lucas, Jayton, Blakley, Clancey, Walela, Indra, Harper, Hollis, and Heston. Also, special friends, Cindy Victory, Tammy Thomas, Ginger Greene, Billye Gaye Able, Patricia Neil, and her care takers from Compassus, Renee, Leonda, and Donna.
The celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Miami, Pastors Leon Weece, and Jesse Burns officiating. Interment will follow at the Welch Cemetery. Friends may give to the Welch Roundup Club, Welch Kappa Nu Sorority, or the Welch Educational Enrichment Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.highsmithfh.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Services of Vinita.