Wendy Morton Moon was born July 16, 1961, in Eureka and died on November 29, 2025, at home in Hoopa. Wendy was enrolled in the Hoopa Valley Tribe, and was of Karuk, Hupa and Yurok descent. Wendy was raised in Hoopa and Arcata.

Wendy’s fondest memories were of growing up on the Salmon River with her Gramma Bessie Tripp in the summer times. No lights, outhouse, good food, and good people. Wendy was married to Gerald Moon for 20 years. In that time, she worked at the valley schools and was a part of so many children’s lives. She always spoke up for the little ones when they could not speak for themselves. Wendy was very intelligent. Wendy loved children. Her grandchildren were her world. She loved to play pool, she loved good music, and man she could drive. With the very first car for her to be known for being a yellow corvette it goes without saying Wendy was pretty cool.

If you knew Wendy, you were blessed because she was the realist of the real and you knew there was no b.s. when it came to her. She was kind and giving and always helping anyone who asked. After working at the school, then as an EMT, the next chapter in life focused on manual labor and being outside every day. She worked for the AmeriCorps program for the full six years and it was the best time in her life. She always said she loved that job. Wendy built her own house. She was strong and resilient. Wendy was a spiritual person. She believed in dreams, she believed in spirits, she believed in Indian way. She helped her elders even as she began to become one herself. She was always a hard worker. One of Wendy’s famous quotes was “I just wanna be fucking happy.”

Wendy was preceded in death by her son Walter Hayes Moon, father Walter H. Morton (Sr.), brother Wayde James Morton, maternal grandparents Edward and Virginia Marshall, Jr., her paternal grandmother Louise (Tripp) Rails, and great grandmother Bessie (Jacobs) Tripp. There were many other people that came through Wendy’s life she would often remember fondly.

Wendy is survived by her children Kara Moon, Rosella Moon and Charlie Moon and his wife Cassidy (Lane) Moon, their children, Pearl Moon, Solo Sylvia, Jack Sylvia, Pauiila Colegrove, Chok Cook, Charlie Hayes Moon and Walter James Moon. Wendy is also survived by her mother Roxanne Burgess, brother Allen Burgess and sister Jennifer Burgess and her partner Justin Childs; brother Wally Morton (Jr.) his wife Brandy and their children Tristan, Nanya and Walter III. Wendy is also survived by her aunts Jennifer Singleton and Delma Powell, and uncle Victor Starritt.

Wendy’s family will be holding a graveside service at the Tripp Family Cemetery in Somes Bar on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. with a meal and sharing to follow at the Karuk Department of Natural Resources Office in Orleans.

Honorary pall bearers are Allen and Mike Burgess, Solo Sylvia, Jack Cruz Sylvia, Justin Childs, Rick Sanderson, Johnny Garisson, Jake Tripp, Bill Tripp, Wally Morton Jr., Walter Morton III, George Moon, Ed Masten, Timothy Perry Sr., Kevin Latham, Kevin Latham Jr., Jamie Melendy, Jeff, Brian and Chuck Singleton, Elton Baldy, Kevin Orcutt, Stevie Sanderson, Tahn and Mawahche Blake, Thomas Joseph, Kevin Rowland, Denny Colegrove, Bob Campbell, Sam Jones, and Little Gerald Moon Jr.

Special thanks to Tory and Toni Morton, Mary Nelson, Nora Conway, Christine Lucas, Lovae Blake and Tek-Wes McCovey during this difficult time. In all eras of Wendy’s life, she loved and cherished many students, friends and family members. Wendy’s family appreciates all the memories and love you gave Wendy over the years, and welcome those who can send her home to be with her Walter.

Arrangements are provided by Goble’s Mortuary and Garcia’s Florist of Fortuna.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Wendy Moon’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.