Melissa Marie Whatley

Melissa Marie Whatley, 40 of La Junta passed away on April 3, 2021 in Canon City. She was born on May 29, 1980 in Denver to Ferman & Bernice (Trujillo) Whatley.

Melissa didn’t like staying home. She liked spending her time outdoors with family and friends. She like taking the kids to the movies or out to eat. Melissa liked drawing and loved taking pictures everywhere she went. She also really enjoyed cooking and baking. She liked sports and was a supporter of her daughter’s favorite football team, the Raiders. Melissa was always smiling, even if she was upset or sad. That’s how she got her nickname “Giggles”. Her big heart and kindness was always shining through. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.

She is survived by her parents, Ferman (Bernice) Whatley of La Junta; children, Jasmyne Trujillo and Mercedes Whatley; brother, John Daniel “J.D.” (Nichelle Grabow) Whatley of La Junta; niece, Olive Marie Whatley; nephew, Cayden Grabow; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins also survive. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Rita (Kenneth) Whatley, Carl (Josephine) Trujillo; favorite uncle, George DeLaCruz and favorite aunt, Mary Barrett.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel. Inurnment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in La Junta.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.