Judy Morton

Judy Gayle (Batten) Morton, a long-time resident of Soquel, California, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. She was born in San Jose on August 8, 1939, to Jack and Ethel (Brown) Batten. Judy graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1957. After school, she worked at her parent’s flower shop, Batten’s Florist. She married her high school sweetheart, Gary F. Morton in 1958, who preceded her in death in 1992.

Judy was a positive and bright presence, full of sunshine and feistiness. She loved meeting and greeting everyone. To her neighbors, she was affectionately known as Mayor Judy. She was a passionate advocate and enjoyed helping others, volunteering at Dominican Hospital of Santa Cruz and Crippled Children’s Society of San Jose. In addition to her many world-wide travels, Judy enjoyed being with her dogs, spending time in her garden and hosting events for her family and friends. She just loved holidays or a lady’s luncheon with her LOL Ladies or Stitch-a-bit Newcomers Group.

Judy is survived by her daughter Jacqueline G. Morton of Soquel, son, Gary S. Morton and wife Caryn of Campbell, and Grandson Chad E. Morton, wife Veronica, and great granddaughters Hayden and Stevie Morton, of Nampa, Idaho. She is predeceased in death by her son, Michael J. Morton in 2024. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Batten of San Jose, five nephews, a niece, as well as grand-nieces and nephews. She is now in Heaven, along with several precious family members and dear friends who welcomed her home.

A private family service and celebration of life will be held later in the year. Remembrance may be made in Judy’s honor to Santa Cruz Hospice, Santa Cruz Humane Society, or SPCA.