Vanessa Ann Crawford was born to Joe Bendowsky and Annika Carlgren on August 20, 1972 in Omaha Nebraska. She joined our heavenly father July 25, 2023.

Vanessa grew up in Wichita, attending North High. She went on to receive her associated degree from Friends University in accounting. She spent nearly 20 years working for the United States postal service, but her life's work revolved around children. She was a beloved child care provider in the Riverside neighborhood for many years. She was active in establishing Family Promise of Greater Wichita, volunteered for veteran's programs, and donated to the Kansas Food Bank.

Vanessa is preceded in death by her mother Annika Carlgren, and her son Zachary Hisken.

She is survived by her daughters Krysal Irvin, and Kelsey (Clay Jones) Crawford, and daughter-in-law Jessica Hisken; Her father Joe Bendowsky; siblings Melissa Welch, Kendra (Tim) Reynolds, James (Irina) Bendowsky, Robert Stanton, and Andrew (Sadie) Stanton; and grandchildren Micah Hisken, Kalla Demel, Kai Carlgren, Elise Hisken, Claron Jones, and Marlon Jones; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and chosen family members through her child care and volunteer efforts, who will miss her dearly.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Riverside Christian Church.