Richel Ray Short Northrip was born in Seminole, Oklahoma, on October 13, 1922, to George Oran and Velma Davis Northrip. He died October 27, 2001, at Jefferson County Hospital in Waurika, Oklahoma, at the age of 79 years and two weeks.

Short married Mona Lee Cobble on September 14, 1944. They had one son, James Ray, and one daughter, Rebecca Lynn. Mona preceded him in death on July 23, 1976. He married Arvella Pitmon on December 7, 1979, in Ryan, Oklahoma. He was a member of the Ryan Assembly of God Church. He spent many years working on ranches and in the oil fields. He worked many years for Jefferson County then retired from Ryan Public Schools in 1986. Short enjoyed camping and fishing. He was a loving father and husband.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, one sister, and Mona Lee.

He is survived by: his wife, Arvella, of the home; his son James Ray and Deborah Northrip of Ryan; his daughter, Rebecca Lynn Burton of Colbert, OK; four grandchildren - Veronica Burton, Kenneth and Amanda Burton, Michael Burton, and Christina and Curtis Ballard; one great-grandchild - Sara Dawn Ballard; several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Services for Mr. Northrip were at 10:00 AM, Monday, October 29, 2001, at the First Assembly of God Church in Ryan with Bro. Paul Ratliff and Bro. Ron Allen officiating. Burial was in Ryan Cemetery under the direction of Dudley Funeral Home of Ryan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Assembly of God Church in Ryan.