Obituary Toni Willeford June 24, 2015
June 24, 2015
Obituaries
Toni Willeford
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness to announce the passing of Toni Willeford, 71, of Santa Paula. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Toni passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at Santa Paula Memorial Hospital.
Toni was born April 1, 1944, in New Zealand, and preceded in death to parents, Frances and Kathleen Helps.
She met the love of her life, Thomas “Ray” Willeford, through mutual friends, while stationed in New Zealand. They were united in marriage February 20, 1966.
Throughout her life, Toni always had a smile on her face and was a driven advocate for all people, especially those in need. Toni worked at the Santa Paula Bowling Alley before deciding to be a stay at home mom and day care provider for over 35 years. She was known by all her day care children as “Nana.”
Toni had a deep and abiding love for her husband and family with her grandchildren being by far her greatest passion, inspirations and loves. She was constantly chauffeuring them to and from school, college, work, sports activities, doctor appointments and numerous other events. She was “Nana” She knew they were gifts and she treasured every moment with them.
Aside from family, Toni had a deep love for people, especially her friends. It has been stated many times that they felt a connection with her that made them FEEL like family. Toni loved to help others. “No” was never in her vocabulary; this was her way of being a good neighbor and friend.
Toni enjoyed cooking; (“Oh my, that Pumpkin Roll”) and her infamous desserts. She enjoyed gardening and looked forward to getting together with friends every month for “Bonco”. Toni enjoyed the retirement years with her husband traveling, including trips to Laughlin, Canada, North and South Dakota, Niagara Falls, camping at the beach or just taking the boat out on a run.
Toni will remain in the hearts of her husband of 47 years, Thomas “Ray” Willeford; her daughters Barbara Willeford and Debra Willeford, son Carl Willeford and daughter-in-law Susie Willeford, Grandchildren Justin Barron (Lindsey Torres), Michael and Tommy Foster, William and Alexis “Chupis” Carrillo, Miguel Parra (Vanessa Parra), Elizabeth, Leanna and Nathan Willeford, Great grandchildren Michael Parra and Nathan Espinoza, brothers Douglas Helps (Yvonne)- Bruce Helps (Kathy), and her “special” children Austin Macias (Teresa) and Allen Macias, and lots of special friends considered family.
She was preceded in death by son-in-laws Rick Barron, Wayne Foster and her dear friend Carol Sue Macias.
Toni will be lovingly remembered for her mellifluous kindness, smile, hospitality, endeavors to help others and her great motto “Bloody Hell.”
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Santa Paula Fire Department for their courage’s efforts. A special thank you goes to Ventura Toyota, Waterway Plastics, Santa Paula Medical Clinic, Rick and Pam Barnett, and Garcia Mortuary. Dr. Alexander Meyer- Dr. Mike Tushla their entire staff for their support during this time.
A very warm thank you to all our friends and family and as Toni would say it “I love you and Bloody Hell!”
Prayer service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 22, at Life Way Baptist Church, 673 W. Santa Paula Street, Santa Paula, Ca.
