Judy Soto, age 67, of the Horton, KS reservation, passed away on May 8, 2026. A woman of immense toughness and even greater willpower, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was born on November 15, 1958, in Horton, Kansas.
She taught her children—Keneen, Tara, Erica, Angela, and Alma—that while the world is tough, they are tougher because they came from her. Judy was a true force of nature. She was formidably strong, a trait that served as both a shield and a compass for her family. While others might have bowed to pressure, Judy stood her ground.
Her legendary stubbornness wasn't just a personality trait; it was her way of navigating the world. It was that very fieriness that saw her through life's hardest chapters and ensured her family remained a force to be reckoned with. Her intensity was fueled by a deep, protective care for her family, and her forceful nature was most often seen in her fierce devotion to her grandchildren.
We carry heavy hearts today, but we take comfort in knowing that Judy lived life entirely on her own terms. She never backed down, she never gave up, and she never left anyone wondering where they stood. Judy worked at Stormont Vail as a Phlebotomist for 12 years, did social work and was a CNA. She got her bachelor's in criminal justice, and she had her license as CDL and as a pilot.  She is survived by her four daughters and her only son, her beloved grandchildren, three sisters, one brother and one deceased brother.  Deceased parents Vera Duncan and Charles Finch. And a community of friends and extended family who will spend the rest of their lives trying to live up to the standards of strength she set. Pallbearers will be Xavier Soto, Jorge Rodriguez, KJ Soto, Waylon Finch, Keneen Soto and Sonny Dorsch. Kennekuk Church services will be at 7:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Kickapoo Community Building on the Kickapoo Reservation. Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the Kennekuk Cemetery on the Kickapoo Reservation.