Rita Whatley

Rita Whatley, 87, of La Junta passed away on October 31, 2014 at the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center. She was born on May 22, 1927 in La Junta to Panfilo & Frances (Vasquez) Olivares. She married Kenneth Whatley on July 16, 1952 in La Junta; he preceded her in death on September 8, 1994.

 

Rita was a loving mother and grandmother and will be dearly missed by her family and all who knew her.

 

She is survived by her children, Angie Zamora, Anita (Joe) Paiz-Whatley, Ferman (Bernice) Whatley, Toby (Debra) Whatley all of La Junta; Peggy (Jose) Valdiviez of Wauchula, FL; George DeLaCruz of Pueblo; 21 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and four great, great-grandchildren; sisters, Pauline (Tony) Rangel and Emma (Raymond) Jara;  numerous nieces & nephews also survive; and special caregivers, Michelle Martin & Michelle Likes. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two infant children, brothers, Chano, Carmel, & Tony Olivares, and sister, Isabel DelRio.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. and the funeral mass will be Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. both services will be at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish with Father Matthew Wertin officiating. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery following service.