John “Long John” Lawton

May 15, 1947 – June 1, 2025

John “Long John” Lawton, age 78, passed away peacefully at home in Ripon, California, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, John was the son of Clarence “Sonny” Lawton and Edna “Eleanor” Butts.

He lived a life filled with passion, hard work, and adventure—always leaving an impression on those lucky enough to know him.

John worked for 28 years as a dedicated truck driver for Consolidated Freightways, retiring in 2000. A proud Teamster, he competed in numerous truck rodeos throughout his career, earning the title of California State Champion in 1977. 

His love for the open road didn’t stop there—John was a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, riding Harley-Davidsons for over 60 years. One of his proudest accomplishments was completing an Easy Rider cross-country trip, sharing the journey with friends who became family, also completing several trips to Sturgis.

In addition to trucks and bikes, John had a deep love for his classic 1957 Fords. Whether at a car show, parade, or simply cruising through town, he found joy behind the wheel and in the camaraderie of fellow car lovers.

John was also an avid fisherman, always hunting the next big one. He could be seen fishing the Delta for sturgeon or just about any fish in any body of water while enjoying his many boats over the years.

John is survived by his devoted daughter, Jonnie Crumm (Jim), his grandchildren John, Dane, and Amelia, and his great-granddaughter Melody, all of Texas. He also leaves behind his beloved sisters: Eleanor Kirk of Arizona, Cindy Douwsma (Mike) of Oroville, Kelly Butler (Mark) of Auburn, and Robin Morales-Lowry of Colorado, Leigh Crutchfield of San Jose; and his brothers Eddie Hardister (Cosette) of Hawaii and James Daly of San Jose. He was pre-deceased by his brother Billy Clark (Pat) of North Carolina. He will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of lifelong friends. Always by his side was his loyal Australian shepherd, Jayne Mansfield.

While we grieve the passing of a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, we also celebrate a life well lived. John truly enjoyed the company of those he loved—his family, his friends, his cars, his bikes, and his faithful dog, Jayne. His spirit, stories, and smile will ride on in all of us.

Visitation
A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m – 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 14, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240

Memorial Service
A memorial service will be held at 10:00am Saturday, June 14, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

A celebration of life will follow at John’s home in Ripon.

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Lawton family

Eva Borja

January 27, 1944 - June 1, 2025

Eva Cuerquiz Borja was born on January 27, 1944, in Talakag, Bukidnon, during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. Her name, "Eva," was lovingly inspired by the word "evacuate", reflecting the challenging times of her birth. She graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Education at the Bukidnon State College in Malaybalay Bukidnon and began her teaching career at San Antonio Elementary School. In 1980, driven by her desire to provide a better future for her family, she moved to Cagayan de Oro City and continued her passion for teaching at West City Central School. Known for her strict but an excellent teacher, Eva was especially respected as an English and Social Studies teacher who left a lasting impression on her students. In 1994, Eva migrated to the United States, where she worked for ten years as a TSA officer at San Jose Mineta Airport. Eva was a devoted Catholic. She was the beloved wife of Benjamin C. Borja, with whom she shared over 50 years of marriage. Eva is survived by her seven children: Genevieve, Cecil, Imelda, Emmanuel, Darlene, Ulysses, Mary Ann, twenty-seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Her legacy of generosity, strength, and perseverance will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 1:00pm - 4:00pm with a rosary starting at 1:00pm on Saturday, June 21st, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 1:00pm 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 Borja family.

William Dealy

William Nyah Dealy
August 23rd, 1990 - May 31, 2025

Survived by:
His parents: Kou T. and J. Carl Dealy brother John Saye Dealy, his sisters Jaince Banquando and Patience Zor and Friend Heather Payne.

Biographical Information:
He was a loving devoted son and brother. He cared deeply for his family, including his nieces Mia and Aubree Dealy, and nephews Everett Dealy and Patrick Paye He was a wonderful Uncle.

Awarded William Saroyan Award for Short Story while attending elementary school in Fresno CA, ; Member of the Stockton Regional Anti-Bulling Council. An accomplished singer, wining top honors County of Stockton competition. Attended Lincoln High School, Stockton, CA, volunteered as the grill master for the Sunset Little League, and as an Election Poll Worker, He was a Boy Scout; Troop 130, Fresno CA and Troop 148, Stockton CA and Sea Scouts, Ship 1, Stockton CA, he earned Eagle Scout, and he was a Trainer for the National Youth Leadership Training Program for 2 years. He was warm and funny and gave of himself in so many ways, generous to the end he donated his organs to help others live on. He was the reflection of Christ’s love for us all.

Will was a hard worker, when he was just 20 years old, he had a company called the “A Team” He and his crew traveled around to Valley Walmart’s and other big stores assembling bicycles, swing sets and stuff for store displays. It was gritty though work, after expenses not financially rewarding, but, gutsy. He recently worked as a med-tech at A and A San Pablo. Before that he was hired by the State of California to manage a corrections facility kitchen at Mule Creek. Will was a great cook, he had cooked at Fat City Grill, Miracle Mile, Stockton CA for a couple of years and then onto Midgley’s Public House at Lincoln Center for about 10 years. He loved cooking and fully realized the beauty of culinary arts, Will also had a competitive streak. Will won multiple prizes for his entries in the Santa Cruz Chili cook-off and the Claim Chowder Competitions for years including first place in the professional division.

Will’s place is with God, we have that blessed assurance. If you remember Will, share a story about him with a friend, you will laugh again and again. We have Will forever in our hearts, because time has nothing on love. Love is transcendent.

Time Is

Too Slow for those who Wait,
Too Swift for those who Fear,
Too Long for those who Grieve,
Too Short for those who Rejoice;
But for those who Love,
Time is not.

Henry Van Dyke, Music and Other Poems, 1904

VISITATION
 A visitation will be held from 8:30am - 9:30am on Saturday, June 21st, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

SERVICE
 A service will be held at 9:30am on Saturday, June 21st, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.

Memorial Contributions may be made to:

Meals on Wheels America
P.O. Box 791568
Baltimore, MD 21279-1568

mealsonwheelsamerica.org
Federal ID number: 23-7447812

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Dealy family.

Douglas Hintz

October 14, 1947 - May 29, 2025

Douglas A. Hintz, “Bompa” to his grandkids, lifelong Lodi resident passed away on May 29, 2025 surrounded by those who loved him. Doug was born on October 14, 1947 in Lodi, CA to parents Al and Irene Hintz who instilled in him a love of the outdoors, fishing and camping. Doug attended local schools and graduated from Lodi Union High School in 1965. Doug served his country honorably in the United States Navy from 1967-1970. Following his military service Doug joined the Lodi Fire Department in 1970 where he rose to the rank of Captain. He developed the curriculum for Lodi Unified School District Regional Occupation Fire Science course in 1974 and was an instructor until 1986. He retired from the Lodi Fire Department in 2002 after 31 years of service.

In 2015 Doug suffered a massive stroke which left him wheelchair bound but it did not limit his ability to reach out daily to his many friends and family and anyone who was listed in his flip-phone contacts...if you missed his call, his phone messages were legendary.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents Al and Irene Hintz and son Christopher Hintz. He is survived by his wife of 33 years Ann Areida-Hintz, daughters Kimberly Schopp (Bob) and Rebecca Areida, son Bryan Potter (Kim), brother Tom Hintz (Marcia), grandchildren Morgan “Snooks” Schopp, Dominick “Munchkin” Potter, Ava “Bumpky” Hintz, Sajan “Affe” Yadav, Rohan “Cheekster” Yadav, Brett Schopp, Anthony Miller and caregiver of 9 years Shannon Scheible.

In typical Doug fashion, there are no services planned, certainly no pomp and circumstances. A celebration of his life will be held privately by family.

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to “die”...” Thomas Campbell

Please leave your condolences below.

Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Hintz family

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.

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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