Jessica Rae Chavez, 39, of Vandalia, Illinois, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2022, at her home in Vandalia, IL.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, January 9, 2023, at Miller Funeral Home, Vandalia, IL, with Pastor Joe Lawsonofficiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials: The Jessica Chavez's Childrens Fund.

She was born December 9, 1983, in Centralia, IL, the daughter of Dan L. Hanks and Donna Rae (Cantrell) Hanks-Fitzwater. Married Gordon J. Chavez on July 1, 2022, in Vandalia, IL. She worked as a registered nurse and manager at Mederi Home Health in Breeze, IL. Jessica loved music, cooking, traveling, and her dogs. She was a great wife and mother, enjoyed spending time with her family and was so proud of her kids.

She is survived by: Mother - Donna Fitzwater & Wesley, Vandalia, IL; Husband - Gordon Chavez, Vandalia, IL; Sons - Caydan T. Knebel and Kelby R. Knebel, both of Vandalia, IL; Sisters - Nancy Simmons & John, Springville, IN and Allison Kelly & Jake, Brownstown, IL; Half Brothers - W. Rush Fitzwater & Leslie, Rayville, LA, Jesse Fitzwater & Emilee, Kinmundy, IL, and Ben Fitzwater, Salem, IL; Step-Son - Zion Chavez & Emily Alcorn, Central City, IL; Step-Daughters - Lilly Pate & Isaiah, Germany, and Raven Chavez, Central City, IL; and Nieces & Nephews.

Preceded in death by: Her Father.