Antonia "Toni" Whatley

Antonia Guadalupe Whatley, “Toni”, 74, of La Junta, Colorado, peacefully passed away Sunday, March 30, 2025, at her La Junta home surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 16, 1950, in La Junta, Colorado to Jose & Antonia (Pedroza) Moreno, and lived a life filled with love, service, and dedication to her family and community. 

Toni was a passionate educator and community volunteer who touched the lives of many. She taught English as a Second Language (ESL) at West School, worked at Moreno Shoes, and ran her own formal wear store. Toni also provided daycare for 15 years, and later worked as a substitute teacher for the East Otero School District R-1. Her diverse career and involvement reflected her nurturing spirit and commitment to helping others. Toni was also a dedicated employee at H&R Block and volunteered for many years at La Junta Catholic Parish, where she was a cherished member of the community.

Toni’s family was her greatest joy, and she shared a lifetime of love with her husband, Jimmie “Petie” Whatley. Together, they built a beautiful family.

Antonia is survived by her husband, Jimmie Whatley of the La Junta home; children, Jami (David) Chavez of La Junta, CO; Bernadette Jimenez of Colorado Springs, CO; Eric (Shanele) Whatley of Mooresville, NC; and Santino Whatley of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren, Steven (Tara) Westhoff, Rylan Hawthorne, Nikki Hawthorne, Kimberly (Andre) Smithour, Davie Chavez, Brandon (Kerrie) Jimenez, Dom “Bubba” (Brittany) Jimenez, Kaitlin Jimenez, Brendan O’Toole, Lauren (John) Welch, and Lexi Whatley. She was also blessed with 15 great-grandchildren, Landon, Paige, Kira, Callie Jo, Andre, Abel, Raymond, Lily, Reece, Marcie, Nora, Alahni, Riyah, Raelee, and Magnolia.

Toni was one of 12 children, and is survived by, Frances Aragon of La Junta, CO; Rey Moreno of San Antonio, TX; Jay Moreno of La Junta, CO; Esther Gonzales of Palm Springs, CA; Jolene Hyatt of La Junta, CO; and Thomas Moreno of Colorado Springs, CO; numerous nieces & nephews also survive. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jose & Antonia Moreno; granddaughter, Kaitlin Jimenez; brothers, Dennis, Victor, Richard, and James Moreno & sister, Dora Aceves.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Peacock Memorial Chapel in La Junta from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Both services at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick's Parish with Father Joseph Matitu officiating. Interment will follow the Mass at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the La Junta Catholic Parish in Toni’s honor. 

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