Jose Ceja Chavez, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on April 4, 2026, in California, at the age of 78.

Born on July 16, 1947, Jose was a man who truly understood the value of connection. He dedicated many years to working as a farm laborer and truck driver before retiring. He was known for his social nature. There was nothing he enjoyed more than sharing a laugh and a cold beer with those he loved.

Jose’s greatest legacy is the sprawling, loving family he leaves behind. He is survived by his children:

Daughters: Maria Ceja; Ana Soza and her husband, Gonzalo; and Elizabeth Serna and her husband, Rogelio.

Sons: Pedro Ceja, Jose Luis Ceja and Jorge Ceja and his wife, Rocio.

He was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren:

Susie Camano, Selena Sandoval, Joel Sandoval Jr., Joe Anthony Ceja, Raymond Ceja, Valeria Ceja, Rogelio Serna Jr., Elizah Serna, Santana Serna, and Vanessa Soza.

His light continues to shine through his great-grandchildren: Johnny Jr., Joseph, and Scarlett Cisneros; Joe Anthony Jr. and Jolianna Ceja; Arlene Hernandez and Remilynn Fuentes; and Leslie Mesa and Eduardo Salgado.

Jose is also survived by his four siblings: Esperanza Ceja, Teresa Verduzco, Martha Garcia, and Juan Ceja Chavez.

Jose was preceded in death by his parents, Maria Ceja and Jose Maria Ceja; his sister, Josefina Gaona; and his brother, Agustin Ceja Chavez