Kay Frances Horton

A life well lived and a spirit deeply loved, Kay Frances Horton, of Omaha, Nebraska, departed this world on December 19, 2025, at her home in Bellevue, Nebraska. Kay passed away on her mother’s birthday, December 19, and on the same day as her soulmate, Carl—just in a different month. Her final wish was fulfilled as she passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, including her beloved pets.

Kay was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. She had a pure soul and a heart of gold. Completely selfless, she lived a long and meaningful life helping others, taking in all strays—both human and animal. Her legacy will live on forever in the many lives she touched. A saint among us, Kay is now at peace.

She was preceded in death by her father, Fred VanValkenburg; her mother, Vivian VanValkenburg; her brother, Fred; her sisters, Janet and Sharon; her nephew, Fred “Fast Fred”; and her soulmate, Carl Masonbrink.

She is survived by her daughter, Melissa Heredia (Julio); her son, Edwin “Nate” Horton (Merri); her grandchildren, Ramon (Natasha), Lourdes, Emanuel (Michelle), Sarai (Zachary), Juliana (Tyler), Addison, Anthony, and Alexander; her honorary grandchildren, Briza and Zachary; her nieces and nephews, Barbara, Tammy, Loretta, Thomas, Gary, Sheila, Jesse, William “Billy,” Tracy, and Angela “Angie”; many great-nieces and great-nephews; her honorary nieces and nephews, Jerri (Andre) and Jada; her ex-husband and lifelong friend, Daniel Horton; and her beloved pets, Chico, Volk, Baby, Theo, Johnny, Chef, Cookie, Benji, Salem, Whiskers, Meow Meow, and Nova.

Visitation will be Monday, December 29, 2025 at 10 am, with Funeral Service at 11 am at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home, 5701 Center St, Omaha, NE 68106. Burial will follow in Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park.