Judy Salo
Jun 2, 1948 -
Aug 24, 2025
Judith "Judy" Elinor Salo passed away on Aug. 24, 2025, from an infection after her cancer treatment, with her daughter and granddaughter by her side.
Born in Hibbing, Minn., in 1948, Judy was a proud Iron Ranger. She married Robb Salo in August 1965, and moved to Nome, Alaska, for Robb's first teaching and coaching job. After the birth of their daughter Holly in Nome and a brief move back to Minnesota, new opportunities brought the Salos back to Alaska, this time settling in Kenai. Judy finished her teaching degree at the University of Alaska Anchorage and taught fifth grade for more than 20 years on the Kenai Peninsula.
Judy's commitment to children and families extended beyond the classroom. Inducted into the Hall of Fame of the National Education Association of Alaska, her leadership led to significant advances for teachers and students alike. Currently a director on the state NEA-AK Board, Judy previously served as the President of the Kenai Peninsula Education Association; NEA-Alaska Vice President (1985–1987); President (1987–1989); and Director (1989–1992).
In 1990, Judy was appointed to the Alaska State House of Representatives, and in 1992, she was elected to the Alaska State Senate and served for one term. As a member of the Health, Education and Social Services Committee, she was especially proud of sponsoring "the baby bill," guaranteeing that insurance companies cover the cost of new mothers for up to two nights in the hospital. She later served as Executive Director of the Alaska Community Service Commission (1999–2002), overseeing AmeriCorps programs throughout the state.
From 2008 to 2013, she served on the Central Peninsula Hospital Board of Directors.
Her wisdom, leadership, humor and love for family and friends will be deeply missed. Judy was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Palm Desert, Calif., where she sang in the choir when health and travels permitted. It was easy to spot Judy in any room because of her tall, fashionable, Arctic blonde presence. Her hobbies included travel, golf, shopping at consignment and thrift stores, reading voraciously and hosting or attending a good happy hour.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Bob Adkins; two grandchildren, Elle and Ryan Adkins; and brother and sister-in-law, Gerry and Sandy Palo. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Elinor Palo; beloved husband, Robert Salo; and, most recently, her 14-year-old chocolate lab, Riley.
A celebration of Judy's life will be held on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, at 5 p.m., at The Wild Birch Hotel in downtown Anchorage, followed by a memorial service in Tower, Minn., in early November 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged in her name to the Democratic Party of Alaska, Planned Parenthood or Let Every Woman Know, supporting uterine cancer survivors.
