Toni Joanne Walling

Toni Joanne Throckmorton Walling (age 85) of West Des Moines, Iowa passed away peacefully surrounded by her family February 7, 2026, after a brief illness.

Toni was born March 31, 1940, in Rochester Minnesota, the daughter of Dr. Tom Dercum Throckmorton and Grace Elizabeth "Betty" Cleland Throckmorton. She grew up in Des Moines and had a wonderful childhood. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1958 and Drake University in 1962. While at Drake, Toni was elected to Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society. She was also a member of Chi Omega Sorority.

Toni graduated from The Mayo Clinic School of Physical Therapy. She worked in hospitals and rehab centers for the first 11 years of her career, then was employed by the Des Moines Public Schools as a Physical Therapist for 27 years. She loved physical therapy; she was always fascinated by medicine and loved being in the health care field. Her work allowed her the flexibility to be a mom. "I never wanted another vocation; how lovely it is to be able to say that."

Toni always said the most important parts of her life are her friends and family. She wanted to be a mother from the time she was five years old. She said motherhood was the reason she was put on this earth. She so strongly wanted babies and was blessed with two sons. She truly believed God planned for her to be mother to Hobie and Colin, no one else could have loved and supported them as she did. It is impossible to say with words how much she loved her family, and her family loved her equally.

At age 85, she was vibrant and mentally sharp and was as socially active as her physical health allowed. She was a member of the local chapter of P.E.O. She loved technology, and stayed curious, well-informed, and interested in learning throughout her life. She was a truly positive force in the lives of so many people.

Toni was preceded in death by her parents Tom and Betty, stepmother Jean, brother-in-law Odell "Odie" Johnson, stepsister Annie Lynch and dear friend Paul Grout. Toni is survived by her sister Terri Johnson, her brother Hance Throckmorton (Kay), her sons Colin Walling (Ashley) and Hobart Walling (Carolyn), five grandchildren: Abigail (Austin), Robert, Claire, Elaine and Matthew, and a baby great grandson Theo whom she was thrilled to meet at Christmas. She is also survived by six nephews: Scott, J.B., David, Wade, Mark and Hance, niece Holly, cousins Bobbie Gail Lowenburg (Tony), Tom Throckmorton (Nyla), Hobe Von Feldt and Deana Golden, stepbrother Ralph "Chip" Bollman (Ceeya), stepsister Barbara Daniel and their extended families. She is survived by so many loving friends as well.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 PM, Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Iles Westover Chapel in Des Moines. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. A private family burial will take place at the Des Moines Masonic Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Throckmorton Surgical Society (UnityPoint Foundation) or PEO Iowa Chapter (peoiowa.org). Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.