Shanan N. Shortuse

Shanan Nicole (Murphy) Shortuse, 43, passed away on April 8th, 2024, in Ephrata, Pennsylvania.

Shanan was born on October 4th, 1980 to Keith and Lana (Auer) Murphy in Coatesville, Pennsylvania where she grew up in a loving home with her parents and sister. This is where she learned to love many activities involving the outdoors – fishing, swimming, riding bikes, playing sports, and caring for the nature around her. She attended Coatesville Area High School, graduating in 1999. She went on to study Psychology with a minor in Coaching at Millersville University, earning her bachelor’s degree. Following graduation, she settled in Ephrata with her ex-husband Josh Shortuse where they built a family and raised three lovely children – Dillon, Ella, and Carter Shortuse. Her passion to care for and protect others drove her to further her education, earning her BSN and CSN certifications. Shanan was employed as a school nurse at Ephrata School District and later worked at WellSpan BH in Mt. Gretna.

Shanan’s role as a mother was by far her biggest accomplishment. Her devotion and love for her children was truly unconditional as they were the light of her world. She was a proud parent at every sporting game, horseback riding event, dance recital, and school activity – she made it her mission to cheer them on in every way. She will always remain their biggest fan and supporter as she watches over them throughout their lives. To her daughter, she leaves her kindness and thoughtful heart. To her sons, she leaves her determined spirit and undoubted loyalty. She extended the same affection and compassion toward her loved ones, especially her nieces, nephew, and young cousins, who she deeply adored.

Along with her parents, Shanan is survived by three children, Dillon Shortuse, Carter Shortuse, & Ella Shortuse; sister, Kristy Wilkinson, wife of Brandon Wilkinson, and their children Lennox and Emmett; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins throughout Lancaster and Chester Counties. Shanan is predeceased by her grandparents, Charles and Katherine (Simmers) Murphy & Timothy Auer and Lana (Bensinger) Swisher.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 19th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Ephrata Church of the Brethren, 201 Crescent Ave, Ephrata, PA 17522. A celebration of life service will follow at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Pastor Brian Messler. The church will hold a luncheon for guests after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Shanan’s GoFundMe would be appreciated at https://www.gofundme.com/f/shanan-shortuse?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer