Sonya Janet Stokes

Sonya was born in Tipton, OK on September 22, 1936 to parents Alva and Sue McLain. She lived her early years in Snyder, OK until her family moved to Ivanhoe, CA in 1946. Sonya attended grade school there where she made lifelong friends. She enjoyed school, where her favorite subject was math, and also learned to play piano. She attended Church of Christ in Ivanhoe for many years.

Sonya then went on to Visalia High School where she met her future husband Richard Stokes. They soon were married on May 23, 1954 and she graduated high school soon after. They had 4 children - Randy, Ricky, Marla and Rusty. The family lived in Visalia for the next 22 years where she worked at Moore’s Miniature Roses for several of them. Along with her own children, she was a second mother to many of her kids’ friends on Howard St. where everyone loved her humor and great cooking.

Sonya moved to Mission Viejo, CA in 1976 where she worked at La Paz Pharmacy for a few years. She then was secretary for the family owned business Rich Limousines. She enjoyed Southern CA, especially watching her 3 sons perform music. She returned to Visalia in 1991 spending her years with her family which included her mother, brother, sons, daughter and grandchildren.

Sonya passed away peacefully at home in Visalia, surrounded by family on January 31, 2025 at the age of 88. She is preceded in death by Richard Stokes (husband of 57 years), brother Gary McLain of Visalia and parents Alva & Sue McLain of Ivanhoe. Sonya is survived by her 4 children - Randy Stokes of Nashville, TN, Ricky Stokes of Visalia, Marla Conway (Jim) of Visalia and Rusty Stokes (Donna) of Visalia. She is also survived by her 4 grandchildren - Farrah Manthei of Chicago, IL, Raquel Stokes of Port Townsend, WA, James Conway of San Diego, CA and Brandon Conway (Leah) of Visalia, CA and one great-grandson Jakob Conway of Escondido, CA.

Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, February 12th 10:00 AM at the Visalia Public Cemetery District, followed by a reception at Bello Vita (formerly Sons of Italy Hall) 4211 W. Goshen Ave. Visalia, CA 93291.