Our Staff

Meet Our Valued Staff

At Short's Funeral Chapel, we are proud to have a dedicated and compassionate team that is committed to providing personalized care during life's most difficult moments. Each member of our staff brings a wealth of experience, understanding, and respect to every family we serve. Our goal is to guide you with sensitivity and professionalism, ensuring that you feel supported and comforted every step of the way. We consider it a privilege to help you honor your loved one with the dignity and care they deserve. Meet the people who make Short's Funeral Chapel a place of trust and compassion.

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Phil Hutton

Owner, Mortician & Funeral Director

With over 15 years of experience in the funeral industry, Phil brings both knowledge and compassion to the families he serves. As a second-generation funeral director, he was introduced to the profession early in life and developed a deep appreciation for helping others through some of life’s most difficult times.

Born in Idaho and raised in Moscow, Phil is proud to serve the community he grew up in. Before entering funeral service full-time, he served in the United States Navy, where he learned the values of commitment, discipline, and service — principles that continue to guide his work today.

As the owner of Short’s Funeral Chapel, Phil is honored to carry on his family’s legacy and provide meaningful, personalized care to families throughout the region. It is his privilege to continue this meaningful work and to serve the community that has given so much to him and his family.

When he’s not at the funeral home, you can often find Phil supporting local sports teams or spending time on the local rivers fly fishing — two of his favorite ways to unwind.

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Jennifer Walters

Mortician Resident Trainee

Jennifer Walters is currently serving as a Mortician Resident Trainee at Short’s Funeral Chapel, where she plays a vital role in supporting funeral operations and caring for the families we serve. Originally from Everett, Washington, Jennifer brings compassion, dedication, and a strong work ethic to her role each day.

She is currently enrolled in the Mortuary Science program at Arapahoe Community College, working toward her licensure while gaining hands-on experience. As a mother of three, Jennifer balances a busy life with grace and determination, bringing empathy and understanding to the families she serves.

Jennifer is known for her reliability, attention to detail, and willingness to jump in wherever she’s needed. Her dedication to funeral service and her kind, steady presence make her a valued member of the Short’s Funeral Chapel team.

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Erica Waters

Administrator

Erica Waters is the warm and welcoming presence behind the scenes at Short’s Funeral Chapel. As the chapel's Administrator, she handles the many details that help ensure everything runs smoothly for the families we serve. Gentle, caring, and organized, Erica brings a calming energy to her role and is always ready to lend a helping hand.

Originally from Oregon, Erica moved to the Palouse in 2020 and quickly fell in love with the community. Before joining Short’s Funeral Chapel, she worked for the Potlatch School District, where she developed a strong connection to local families and a passion for service.

Whether she’s assisting with arrangements or offering a kind word to someone in need, Erica’s compassionate nature and steady support are a valued part of our team and the care we provide.

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Hank

Funeral Home Greeter

Hank is our friendly and lovable funeral home dog here at Short’s Funeral Chapel. With his calm presence and gentle nature, Hank has a special gift for making people feel just a little more at ease when they walk through our doors. Whether he’s offering a quiet moment of comfort or just looking for a few head scratches, Hank is always happy to say hello.

He loves greeting families, getting pets, and sometimes sneaking in a nap between visits. Hank is an important part of our team, and we’re grateful for the warmth and comfort he brings to our staff and the families we serve.