Jonathan Christopher Sanchez, beloved son, brother, mentor, and friend, was called to heaven on Sept. 24.  He was born in Turlock, where he lived with his family and made countless friends.

As a young child, Jonathan had an infectiously warm smile and a kind, generous heart, qualities that he continued to display as a young adult.  He, with his family, was a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Turlock, where Jonathan developed at a very early age a deep love for Christ and a desire to serve the Church.  After graduating from Turlock High School and completing one year of college, Jonathan joined NET ministries based in St. Paul, Minn. and spent a year traveling the country bringing the Catholic faith to teens and young people.  Back home in Turlock, he served Christ every day, as a core team member for Life Teen, a member of the Young Adult Teams of Our Lady, a founder and leader of ARMEE ministries, and a light to everyone around him.  

Jonathan never missed an opportunity to give of himself to others.  He did God’s work always, and loved all others in His name.   He humbly allowed his own life to serve as a reminder to others that we must always strive toward holiness.  All those who loved him and knew him will miss him dearly.  We will miss the sound of sweet music coming from his guitar, his warm embrace, his infectious smile, his listening ear, and his helping heart. But it seems his work here was done.  Jesus and our Blessed Mother have called Jonathan home. Saint Jonathan Christopher Sanchez, please pray for us now. 

He is survived by his parents, Balberto and Natalie Sanchez; siblings, Joseph, Bianca and Eryk Sanchez; grandparents, Jose Cruz and Hijinia Maldonado, and Balberto and Carmen Sanchez, all of Turlock; as well as countless aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ.  

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 30 with a reciting of the Rosary at 7 p.m. at Turlock Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 1   at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 2602 S. Walnut Rd., Turlock.  Donations may be made towards the costs of the funeral/cemetery for Jonathan at Turlock Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock, CA 95380.