John C. Andrade

April 23, 1931 - May 28, 2025

On May 28, 2025, the world lost a remarkable man, John C. Andrade, who passed away at 94 years old. He was born on April 23, 1931, to parents Joseph and Mary Andrade. John understood the meaning of hard work and sacrifice at a very young age when working on the family ranch. He was responsible for milking cows, plowing/harvesting fields, driving truck and everything in between. In 1958, John married the love of his life, Angelean Geiszler, and together they raised three children. John dedicated his life to his work as a truck driver and business owner, where he was known for his strong work ethic, “gotta be tough” attitude, and unwavering commitment to providing for his family. In his later years, John enjoyed gardening and sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends. He also enjoyed spending quality time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

John is survived by, daughter, Jolean (Mike) Leddy; daughter- in-law, Maxine (Frey) Andrade; grandchildren, Megan (Rolly) Skarloken, Nicole (Joey) Albert, Chris Leddy, and Eric (Melissa) Leddy; and great grandchildren, Brandon Albert, Harlan Leddy, Olivia Skarloken, Isabella Leddy, and Carson Leddy as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Joseph; mother Mary; brother Joseph; wife Angie; son Keith; son Steven; and nephew Joey.

John Andrade will be deeply missed. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

SERVICES:
Visitation from 9am to 9:30am, Friday, June 20, 2025 at Cherokee Memorial, 14165 Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA. The funeral will be at 9:30am, Friday, June 20, 2025 at Cherokee Memorial with reception to follow.

Burial at Galt Cemetery.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Andrade family.

Johnny Crawford

May 14, 1953 - May 28, 2025

Johnny Franklin Crawford Sr., age 72, of Stockton, CA, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025. Born on May 14, 1953, in Stockton, CA, to Charlie Franklin and Betty Alice Crawford.

Johnny graduated from Linden High School in 1971, where he developed a love of woodworking. A dedicated Boy Scout, Johnny earned the rank of Eagle Scout, demonstrating his strong sense of duty and leadership.

After high school, Johnny went to work for Santa Fe Railroad, later transitioning to become a truck driver. A life long car enthusiast, Johnny’s love for fast cars was well known. In 1975, he drove his 1955 Chevy in the stock car races at 99 Speedway. He won first place in his very first race. He recently told his grandson, Scottie, “that car was fast”. He also enjoyed playing pool with his friends and family.

In retirement, Johnny enjoyed watching NASCAR, rooting for the 49ers, reading western books, and working on number puzzles. Above all Johnny loved his family.

Johnny was preceded in death by his Father, C. Frank Crawford, son Johnny Franklin Crawford, Jr “JC”., daughter, Kaitlyn Nicole Crawford, and Nephew, Steven Aman.

He is survived by his Mother, Betty A. Crawford, Daughter Janet Crawford, Grandson Scott Franklin “Bubba” Crawford, Granddaughter Raelynn, Sisters Debra (Joel) Murphy, Sandra (Donald) Aman, Nieces, Valerie, Michelle, and Judy, Nephew William (Skip). Great Nephews, Shay, Trey, Skylar, and great niece Maryn.

Johnny's legacy of Love, Generosity, and Family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

As Johnny would say, “I LOVE YOU, BYE”

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Crawford family.

Dorothy Nitschke

July 4, 1935 - May 27, 2025

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 11:00am - 3:00pm on Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 10:00am on Monday, June 23rd, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Nitschke family.

Diane Elizabeth Murray Heffel

July 27, 1941 - May 26, 2025

Diane Elizabeth Murray Heffel passed away at age 83 on May 26, 2025 in Lodi, CA. She was born in Nevada City, CA on July 27, 1941 and raised in Sacramento. She attended Milo Academy in Oregon followed by Walla Walla University graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She moved back to California as a public health nurse for Sacramento County and married Kenneth Heffel on August 23, 1964. They moved to Lodi in 1968, and she worked as an owner and administrator at Bechthold’s Convalescent Hospital on Fairmont Avenue for ten years. She and her husband Ken have been owners of Vienna Nursing & Rehab Center for over fifty years where she was also a nurse. She was a leader of a women’s Bible study for over ten years, elder, and sabbath school teacher at Fairmont SDA Church. She also was a Partner for the Lodi police department for ten years. She enjoyed baseball, reading, chocolate, and her poodle companions throughout her life. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Heffel, daughters Dana Davis and Kendra Lipka, grandchildren Hannah De Castro (Dr. Abel De Castro), Rachel Lipka, Sarah Lipka, William Davis, and Brett Davis. Private internment. Celebration of life Open House 1:00-4:00 June 8, 2025 Fairmont SDA church fellowship hall.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Heffel family.

Resty Sonico

May 17, 1952 - May 26, 2025

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 8:00pm with a rosary at 5:00pm on Friday, June 27th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

MASS
 Mass will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, June 28th, 2025 at Saint Luke’s Catholic Church, located at 3847 N Sutter St, Stockton, CA 95204.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Sonico family.

Guadalupe Gomez

May 15, 1938 - May 23, 2025

ROSARY
 A rosary will be held at 4:00pm on Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

MASS
 Mass will be held at 10:30am on Thursday, June 26th, 2025 at St Christopher's Catholic Church, located at 950 S Lincoln Way, Galt, CA 95632. The final committal will follow immediately at the Galt Cemetery, located at 1104 Dorothy Ln, Galt, CA 95632.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Gomez family.

Sharon K. Souza

Sharon K. Souza
July 1, 1952 – May 21, 2025

Sharon K. Souza was welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

Born in Fresno, California, to Oscar and Louise Whiteley, Sharon spent most of her life in Lodi, where she and the love of her life, Rick Souza, built a home and a beautiful life together.

In 1970, Sharon met Rick Souza, a Marine preparing to deploy overseas. Within 15 days, they were engaged—a spontaneous and faithful start to a marriage that would last 54 years. Together, they raised three children and built a life centered on love, family, and faith.

Sharon was an artist at heart. She found joy in painting, drawing, quilting, crocheting, and especially writing. She authored several Christian fiction novels, sharing her faith and imagination with readers far and wide. Among her most beloved titles are Annie Walker and The Color of Sorrow Isn’t Blue. All of her titles can be found on her website: sharonksouza.com.

In the 1980s, Sharon worked as a teacher’s aide at Century Christian High School—a season she cherished deeply. The friendships she formed with fellow staff and students became lifelong connections that remained close to her heart.

She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. Sharon treasured time spent with her family and created a legacy of love, creativity, and unwavering faith.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Rick Souza; her daughters, Mindy Grant and Deanne (Justin) Barth; her grandchildren, Joshua Sanders, Haleigh Souza, Katelyn Barth, Jacob Souza, David Souza, Jayden Grant, and Abbie Grant; and her great-grandchildren, Kydan Kirkwood-Yates and Sawyer Barajas. She is also survived by her brother, Gary (Michelle) Whiteley; sisters, Janet Cerutti and Laura (Ken) Carter; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar Whiteley, Louise Wells, and Bill Wells; her brother, John Whiteley; her twin sister, Karen Whiteley; her son, Brian Souza; and her son-in-law, Corey Grant.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Home Adult Teen Challenge at www.fhtc.life.

SERVICE
A service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, June 27th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Souza family.

Cherokee Memorial Park is a 501(c)13 non-profit company, owned and operated exclusively for the benefit of the community, serving Lodi, Stockton, Galt, Manteca and the San Joaquin Valley since 1940.

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