On Friday, January 9, 2026, Elsie peacefully passed away at the age of 74. Her Navajo clan is Tó'áhání; her father's clan is Tódích'íí'nii, her maternal grandfather's clan is Áshįįhi, and her paternal grandfather's clan is Lók'aa' dine'é. Called home by our Creator, she has journeyed to the spiritual world to be with our ancestors. Despite her struggles with diabetes and multiple strokes, she always retained her love for sweets.

Elsie was born on the Navajo Reservation at Black Mesa, Arizona, on July 5, 1951, to parents Lily Lake Austin and Buck Austin. In 1969, she graduated from Chilocco Indian School in Oklahoma. After high school, she attended Northern Arizona University, Mesa Community College, Arizona State University, and the University of Denver, each time with funding from the Navajo Nation Scholarship. Elsie graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree and went on to earn a master's degree from the University of Denver.

Elsie dedicated her career to social work for the Navajo Nation and enjoyed her retirement surrounded by family, engaging on social media and playing games on her phone. She married her college sweetheart, John Shorty, and they celebrated a Traditional Navajo Basket Wedding. Together, they had a daughter, Valerie, and a son, Dario.

She was the wife of a Vietnam Army veteran, a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, social worker, Chilocco Indian School alumna, Arizona State University alumna, University of Denver alumna, and a devoted citizen of the Navajo Nation.

Elsie is survived by her husband, children, granddaughter Adriana, four siblings, and five half-siblings.

"When tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I will be right there in your heart."

A celebration of Elsie's life will be held at a later date.