Vanessa R. Gardner, 65, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Friday afternoon, January 17, 2020 at Medicalodge of Oxford.

Born October 31, 1954 in Wellington, Kansas, she was the daughter of Lawrence and Carolyn (Mears) Hurst. She was raised and received her education in Oxford, graduating from Oxford High School in 1973.

Vanessa was united in marriage to Michael LeRoy Gardner on March 16, 1973 in Wellington. The couple made their first home in Oxford, and later lived in Wellington, Chase, and Ellenwood, before moving to Winfield. Vanessa made her career as a Nurse's Aide working for many years at William Newton Hospital. She enjoyed horses, fishing, gardening, and arts and crafts.

Her family includes her son Craig A. Gardner and wife, Nichole of Winfield; her daughter Michelle A. Bergkamp and husband, Steve of Augusta; her brother Aaron Hurst; her sisters, Doree Johnston; Debra Neal; and Robin; and her grandchildren, Jaedon, Kylie, Naveya, McKenna, Brysen, Jakob, Emerson, Ben, Eli, and Joseph.

Vanessa was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, January 23, 2020, at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Interment will follow at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in Winfield. A visitation and viewing are scheduled on Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 at the funeral home. The family will greet visitors that evening.

A memorial has been established in Vanessa's name for the Kansas Veterans Home. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.