Belen Soto Moreno

Belen Soto Moreno, a beloved and inspirational figure, passed away on February 9, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on May 29, 1935, in Marinette, Arizona, Belen was raised in Camp 54, a section of Goodyear Farms located in Litchfield Park. She attended Litchfield Elementary and Litchfield High School, where she graduated as valedictorian and became the first Hispanic woman from the west valley to attend college. She pursued higher education at Arizona State College (NAU) and later earned a master’s degree in education from Arizona State University, where she was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma.

Belen had a passion for teaching and dedicated 37 years of her career to Avondale Elementary School, serving as both a teacher and a Federal Programs Administrator. Her commitment to education and her generous spirit left a lasting impact on countless students.

Belen was a big fan of the Arizona Diamondbacks and enjoyed reading and doing word search puzzles. She cherished family vacations to Flagstaff, Arizona, and California, with a special love for Disneyland. In her early years, she loved capturing family, friends, and special events through photography, always finding joy behind the camera.

A woman of great faith, Belen was a long-time parishioner of St. John Vianney, where she served as a lector during masses in her early years. She and her husband Rudy were the first couple to be married at St. John Vianney during a Sunday mass on June 28, 1959. Belen was actively involved in her community, serving on a committee with the Litchfield Park Historical Society and co-authoring a book about the migrant camps in Litchfield Park, Arizona, entitled "Los Campos." She was a cherished and supportive mother, nana, and tita, known for her caring and uplifting nature, never uttering a bad word about anyone.

Belen's legacy is honored with an elementary school named after her within the Litchfield School District – Belen Soto Elementary.

She is survived by her children Rosi Greer (Todd), Patty Moreno (Rick), Manuel Moreno (Chris), and Teresa Nino (Daniel), as well as seven grandchildren, David, Alyssa (Gilbert), Stephanie (Jon), Amanda (Matt), Jeremy (Marissa), Gabby (Dylan), and Annalys (Tatum). Her nine great-grandchildren, Emma, Ryan, Noah, Dawson, Ivy, Charlotte, Nia, Demi, and Stetson, will continue to carry her legacy. Belen is also survived by her two sisters, Monnie Reed and Carmen Cordova, and her brother Jose Luis Soto. She was preceded in death by her husband Rudy Moreno, her parents Ramon and Magdalena Soto, and two brothers Ramon Jr, and George Soto.

Belen Soto Moreno's life was a testament to her cherished, inspirational, and generous nature, leaving an indelible mark on her community and family.