Obituary of Vanesa A. Almanza

Vanesa Almanza

Vanesa Ann Almanza, age 50, of Ottawa, IL, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.  Vanesa was born on September 13, 1975 in Joliet, IL, the daughter of Russell Johnson and Lila Morris (nee Myers). 

Vanesa was a beautiful woman, both inside and out, whose honesty was one of her defining qualities. Blunt and straightforward, she always spoke from the heart. To know her was to love her.

Vanesa is survived by her mother, Lila Morris; her children, Carlos (Chrystal) Almanza, and Cynthia (Wesley) Gordon; grandchildren, Wyn Gordon, Jaylinn Close, Dayana Gordon, and Cash Thomas Allen Almanza; brothers, Bruce (Jamie) Johnson, and John (Burgundy) Johnson; sister, Stephanie Cates; best friend, Coy Shaw, and several nieces and nephews,

She was preceded in death by her father, Russell Johnson; and step-father, Thomas Morris Sr.

Visitation for Vanesa Almanza will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, from 6:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 7:30 p.m. As it was Vanesa’s request, cremation rites will be accorded following her services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to her family.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.