Toni Kaye McWatters

Toni Kaye McWatters, age 55, passed away on August 31, 2026, at Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Toni grew up near Canton, Ohio, and was a proud graduate of Perry High School in Massillon, Ohio. Blessed with an adventurous spirit, she lived in several locations throughout the country and spent a number of memorable years living in Puerto Rico. In 1994, Toni made Albuquerque her permanent home. She dedicated many years to the medical field, working skillfully in records, billing, and filing. Most recently, Toni found her true calling and her most loved work at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Rio Rancho. For the last six years, she poured her heart into assisting volunteers and serving the parish community, where her warmth and presence will be deeply missed.

Toni lived life with a generous heart and a wide array of hobbies. In her earlier years, she loved the excitement of volunteering as a crew chaser for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. She also regularly lent her time helping out with the Sandoval County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit and was a trusted, go-to pet sitter for her friends. Toni possessed a deep, boundless love for all creatures; she truly could never turn down an opportunity to cuddle with a dog, a cat, or any animal that crossed her path.

She is survived by her devoted mother and best friend, Beverly McWatters, as well as her beloved fur babies, Bitty, Liza, Panda, Phoebe, and Gracie. She was preceded in death by her sweet father, Doug McWatters, in 2008.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, located at 1502 Sara Rd, Rio Rancho, NM. The services will begin with a Rosary at 10:30 a.m., with a Memorial Mass immediately following. Toni will be laid to rest at Vista Verde Memorial Park following the Mass at 12:30 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather for a reception in the St. Thomas Aquinas Church Fellowship Hall following the interment.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Toni McWatters' memory to Animal Humane New Mexico or Watermelon Ranch honoring her lifelong love for animals.