Vanessa Kay Ward

Vanessa Kay Ward, age 50, of Shawneetown, IL, passed away on Monday morning, September 7, 2026, in Eldorado, IL. She was born on July 15, 1976, in Centralia, Illinois, to Paul Watson and Carolin Endicott. Vanessa worked at Gibbs earlier in life, later devoting herself as a full‑time homemaker. She enjoyed the beauties of the outdoors and had a love for wildlife, with a special affinity for highland cows. Vanessa made a home with her husband and best friend in Shawneetown; her home was her heart, and she poured herself into raising her children, supporting her family through every season of life with laughter and warmth.

She is survived by her husband, Jason Ward; her children CJ Johnson, Jeffery Johnson, Mickey Johnson, Julian Hernandez, and Onalaya Hernandez, each of whom carries her spirit forward. She also leaves her sister Terrie Smith, her brother Jack Ray Endicott; as well as her nine grandchildren: Korrinah, Reminston, Cayden, Elizabeth, Asher, Jeremiah, Credence, Merrick, and Zephyr; and her two nephews, and four great‑nieces.

She was preceded in death by her father Paul Watson, her stepfather Jack Endicott Sr., and her grandparents Jim Watson, Freeman Whelchel, and Lucille Whelchel.

A celebration of Vanessa's life will be held by her loved ones at a later date.