Judith Mae Goton

Obituary Judith Mae Goton February 24, 1941 – June 17, 2020 Judith Mae Goton, 79, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on June 17, 2020 at South Big Horn Hospital. Judi, as she was affectionately known to those who were close to her, was born to George O. and Alberta (Cave) Watkins on February 24, 1941 in upstate New York. She met Thomas A. Goton while she was in high school and after she graduated, they were married on October 31, 1959 in North Carolina. They lived in New York for a short time and Judi worked as a dental hygienist. The couple later moved to Wyoming in the early 60's where they made their home and raised their two children. Throughout the years, Tom and Judi successfully ran several businesses in the area, but Judi's main priority was always her family. Her family was her entire world. She could always be found at her grandchildren and great-grandchildren's sporting events. She was known as Grandma Judi to their friends who frequented her home nearly as often as her own grandchildren. She was always doing something for others long before she thought of herself, whether it was making sure no one left her home hungry; (which very few people ever did); taking in stray animals; crafting things for those that she held dear; or constantly preparing things to head into 'camp'. Every fall for nearly 25 years, Judi would trek into the mountains, to do her part in the family outfitting business. There were always aromas coming from Judi's cook tent that would make ones' belly grumble, as well as a hot pot of coffee. Judi spent nearly every anniversary she and Tom had in a hunting camp somewhere or at the local pizza joint before taking her grandchildren trick-or-treating. She was a very selfless person, who always put others needs ahead of her own. Judi had a huge heart, not only for people but for animals. She loved every animal, and one never knew what kind of critter would be found at the Goton residence. She turned this love of animals into helping others by providing grooming services in the Big Horn Basin for nearly 40 years. Her doggie customers were an extension of her family. She was an inspiration to many and touched the lives of those she came into contact with. Most importantly, she was the rock that held her family together through the crazy ups and downs of life. There was nothing, and no one, that came before her family. There will forever be a huge void in our hearts and family, without her beautiful smile and loving demeanor. Judi was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Shirley Schrader and Nan Newman, and brother George Watkins Jr. Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Thomas Goton; children, Tom (Fawn) Goton of Greybull, Lisa (Ron) Reesy of Thermopolis; grandchildren, Bob Goton of Cody, Jessica Norris of Thermopolis, Kasie (Aaron) Stewart of Greybull, Kyndra Goton of Greybull, Justin (Ashley) Reesy of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Jessica Reesy of Cody; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Hannah, Korbin, Justin, Kaylee, Jayde, Rylee, Avery, and Charli. Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at the Whaley Cemetery in Shell, Wyoming. We encourage social distancing at the cemetery. Attendees may bring their own chair, if desired, to the services. Memorial donations may be made to the New Hope Humane Society and sent to PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401.