Vanessa Maria Cruz, age 29 of Anderson and formerly of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2015 at Manor Care Health Center in Anderson after a courageous 17-year battle with Lupus. She was born August 22, 1985 in Marion, the daughter of Domingo Cruz and Irma Guadalupe Jaramillo. Vanessa was baptized as a young girl, and was a 2004 graduate of Elwood Community High School in Elwood. She enjoyed playing bingo, working on crafts, and especially enjoyed talking with and connecting with her friends. More than anything, Vanessa will be remembered for her love of her family and the courageous way she faced her health challenges.

Vanessa's surviving family includes her siblings, Brandon K. Bishop of Philadelphia, PA, Patricia Cruz of Fishers, Victor T. (wife Jillian) Cruz stationed in South Korea in the U.S. Army, and Patrick S. (wife Brittni) Cruz of Fairmount; nieces and nephews, Amri Cruz, Penelope Anderson, David Anderson, and Jhett Cruz; father, Domingo Cruz of Marion; grandmother, Guadalupe Cruz of Marion;
and several beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Irma Guadalupe Jaramillo; grandparents, Pedro & Rosa Jaramillo; and cousin, Amanda Anderson.

A funeral service celebrating Vanessa's life will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Friday, July 3, 2015 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Clay Davis of the Liberty Friends Church in Grant County officiating. Burial will follow in Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends to gather will be held from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM prior to the funeral service on Friday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to help with Vanessa's funeral expenses. Online expressions of sympathy and sharing of memories may be made at: copherfeslermay.com.