Vanessa Marie Sanchez was born to Manuel and Tina Sanchez on November 28, 1979 in Alliance, Nebraska. Vanessa passed away unexpectedly at her home on September 26, 2024 at the age of 44. Vanessa competed and won various titles in beauty pageants as a teenager. Vanessa married Urbano “Vinny” Moreno on May 24, 1996, in Hot Springs, SD. Together, they had three children; Avian (Selena) Moreno, Mikayla (Ulices) Guzman and Bianca Moreno. Vanessa was always ready to help anyone and always left her home open to anyone at any time with no questions asked. Vanessa’s caring heart lives on through her son’s dedication to helping others as Avian is currently studying to obtain a degree in the medical field. Vanessa’s beauty and talent would extend to her daughters who would also compete in beauty pageants. Her daughter, Mikayla, obtained a degree in cosmetology, which was what Vanessa always wanted to pursue. Bianca is a beautiful dancer and even auditioned for the show, “Dance Moms” in Los Angeles, CA. Vanessa was very proud to be a “Dance Mom”. While Vanessa became a mother at a young age, she was very smart and hardworking and was able to obtain a business degree from Western Nebraska Community College, even while married, working, and expanding her family. With Vanessa’s business background and Vinny’s construction experience, the young couple was able to establish “Moreno Construction” over 20 years ago. Vanessa went on to help with the business even after the couple’s divorce until she could no longer work due to battling Multiple Sclerosis for over the past ten years. Vanessa’s hobbies included playing cards, playing pool, gambling, doing puzzles, baking, sewing star quilts, Native American beading and especially playing practical jokes and teasing those close to her. If she didn’t tease you, she didn’t like you.
Vanessa loved to travel, which started with her first trip to Disneyland as an infant to visit her Godparents (Arthur and Priscilla Sanchez). As a Godparent, it was very important for Vanessa to share her love for Disney with her Godchildren as she gifted many of them with trips to Disneyland to accompany her to meet Mickey and friends. Vanessa always took a vacation with her children once a year and it usually included a trip to Disneyland. One of Vanessa’s favorite places to spend time was with her Godparents in California. Vanessa was in the process of planning to move to California after her birthday and Thanksgiving of this year. Vanessa always lit up the room when she walked in and always had everyone laughing. Vanessa was the strong one in the family and always pulled things together during times of need. Vanessa may have been the smallest of the sisters, but she was also the toughest. Shortly after Vanessa was diagnosed with MS, a “sister trip” was planned to one of Vanessa’s “bucket list” destinations, New Orleans. To commemorate the occasion; Vanessa, her sisters, her adult niece (Tatiana Soriano) and son got matching magnolia tattoos. Vanessa’s Godsister (Rita Guerra) and Rita’s daughter (Sarah De Alba) flew to New Orleans from California to join in and show their support for Vanessa. While Vanessa’s diagnosis left the family reeling from the realization that she may not live a long life, no one was ready to lose her so soon. Vanessa left a mark on many people’s lives and left many heartbroken when she left. However, the family takes comfort knowing that she is in a better place surrounded by loved ones that are no longer with us, and more importantly, that she is no longer in pain.
Vanessa leaves behind many loved ones including her parents, Godparents, siblings, children, ex-husband and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, Godchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Vanessa’s siblings include Lori War Bonnet, Kim (Mario) Soriano, Erica Sanchez and Tony Sanchez. Vanessa is also survived by one grandson, Cashton Dickenson and her beloved puppy, Gia. Vanessa’s Godchildren include Annie Moreno, Jess Moreno, Liliana Gaytan, Jasmine Sanchez, Tia Sanchez and Nyeli Bauer.
Vanessa is preceded in death by many loved ones as she comes from a very large family. Vanessa was welcomed to the spirit world by her grandparents (Christine Red Feather and Paul & Verna Sanchez), mother-in-law (Nazaria Moreno), uncles (Paul Sanchez, Michael Sanchez, Louis Sanchez, Angelo Sanchez, Bruce Kittleman, Clifford “Woody” Red Feather, Gilbert Red Feather, Everdale Red Feather, and Iver Crow Eagle Jr.), close friend (Nellie Rider) and her cousin who was like her sister, Michelle Red Feather.
Vanessa’s last wishes were to be cremated and shared between her parents, her Godparents, her uncle Louis Sanchez, and her uncle Everdale Red Feather. Vanessa’s pallbearers include her only brother (Tony Sanchez), her nephews (Mario Soriano and Derek War Bonnet), her cousin that she referred to as a “brother” (Louis Sanchez Jr.) and his sons (Louis Sanchez III, Eathen Sanchez and Tyson Sanchez) and her nephew who she referred to as her “son”, Tyler Wright. Honorary pallbearers include her close aunts (Claudette Crow Eagle, Maxine Young and Lisa Kittleman), Godsiblings (Arthur Sanchez Jr. and Rita Guerra), her close cousins (Crystal Sanchez, Iver Crow Eagle III, Ivan Crow Eagle, Iverene Lunderman, Iverina “Angel” Crow Eagle, Jennifer Dickens, Serena Young, and Quentta Two Charger), close friends (Heather Zimmerman, Marissa Madero, Sarah Little Eagle, Melita Stover, and Norma Cross), and her “sister friend” (Debra Dubray).
Vanessa did not want a “funeral” as she wanted her loved ones to celebrate the day that she was no longer in pain. Vanessa was baptized and confirmed a Catholic, so a Rosary will be held on October 3, 2024 at 7 pm at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. A procession will follow for a one-night wake at Newberry’s. Lonnie Little Hoop will be assisting with Lakota prayer. A “Celebration of Life” will take place at Newberry’s on Friday, October 4, 2024. Lunch will be served at noon with a gathering of loved ones to follow. Vanessa’s favorite color was purple and the family requests this color to be worn in remembrance of Vanessa. In lieu of flowers and cards, please send donations to the National MS Society at donate.nationalmssociety.org.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.