Amanda Lee Vandervest

Amanda Lee Vandervest, 42, died unexpectedly on January 19, 2026, surrounded by two of her favorite dogs, Chief and Star. Although her failing heart took her from us too soon, her spirit remains a beacon of love, hope, and joy for her family and friends. 

Amanda is survived by her father Chad (with his fiancée Waye and her daughter Chyna), brother Zach (Viola), niece Hannah, nephews Jacob, Levi, and Noah, best friend Khali, her father’s dog Harley, and Khali’s dogs Chief and Star, as well as numerous family members and friends.

Amanda is preceded in death by her mother Nancy, sister Jessica, fur baby Aiden, and other family members.

Amanda was known as an artist, a poet, an advocate for dogs, and, to some, her father's Guardian Angel on earth. She loved dogs and spending time with her mother, especially picking strawberries every year. She always maintained a composed demeanor until her father began sharing amusing anecdotes, at which point she actively contributed to the conversation, resulting in widespread laughter among those present. She was also really cool, in her attire, swagger, and attitude. 

We took a story that Amanda wrote to her mother and altered it based on how we feel about losing Amanda, so in Amanda’s words and our hearts… “It's been a brief time since you left and went to heaven. Not a day goes by that we don't miss you. God what we wouldn't give to see you, hear your voice, and to see your smile. The pain is still here from when you left. We know you are with the angels, and you feel no pain or sadness. Life has been so different without you, but we still feel you by our side. Your laughter, your knowledge, and your love are stitched in our hearts. Your strength will always inspire us to live our lives to the fullest. Everything you taught us will stay in our minds forever. You live on in every part of us, and we will be forever grateful to have had you as our person. We love you Amanda.

”Amanda's life will be honored privately with a Celebration of Life at a future date.