Heather Dawn Stroh

In Memory of Heather Dawn Stroh Heather Dawn Stroh passed away on June 2, 2021. She attended Job Corps in Joliet, IL for Nursing Assistant, and Kern County Regional Occupational Program for phlebotomy. She worked for over 20 years as a Phlebotomist in California and Florida. She was born on August 5, 1975. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Bernard Ryan, her uncle Patrick Ryan, her aunt Kathy Ryan, her cousin Frank Ryan, her uncle Richard Stroh Jr., her grandmother Patricia Stroh and a brother Jason Stroh. She is survived by her fiancé Steven Thurgood, her parents Christopher and Colleen Stroh, her brother Bryan J. Stroh (spouse Angelina), her grandmother Nancy F. Ryan, her children Ryan M. Chrisinger, Colleen C. Murillo, Cindy M. Murillo, Ashley N. Murillo, and Anthony T. Murillo (spouse Angela), grandchildren Bradley Cruz, Lucas O’Rafferty, Gracelyn Murillo, and Christopher O’Rafferty, the father of her children Anthony C. Murillo, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Heather was an accomplished health care worker and phlebotomist. She was on the front lines during the recent COVID pandemic. She was heavily involved in community service helping to provide Treats for Troops during the Afghan and Iraq Wars. Later, she was involved in the Wreaths for Veterans program at the California City Cemetery. She was recognized with an Angel Award for demonstrating the true spirit of volunteerism through unselfish, devoted and compassionate service which significantly contributed to the quality of life for military families on Edwards AFB and in the local community. She was also an active member of the VFW Post 9375 Auxiliary. In short, she devoted her life to helping other people. A Celebration of Life for Heather will be held at the VFW Post 9375 in California City on July 17, 2021 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations to help defray funeral costs may be made to her parents, Chris & Colleen Stroh, 9614 Lewis Avenue, California City, CA, 93505 After a while, you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul, And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning and company doesn’t mean security, And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts and presents aren’t promises, And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open, with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child, And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans. After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much. So plant your garden and decorate your soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. And you learn that you really can endure… that you really are strong, and you really do have worth. Anon