Vanessa Denise (Ratisseau) Armstrong
Vanessa Denise (Ratisseau) Armstrong, passed away after a valiant 5-year battle with cancer on March 19, 2025 in Houston, Texas. Twenty-nine years after her 39th birthday, born on September 13, 1956 in Pasadena, Texas to parents Sidney A. and Dorothy E. (Wright) Ratisseau, she went quietly early Wednesday morning with her brother Phil by her side.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Abel Armstrong, parents and stepmother Jane B. (Whelton) Ratisseau. She is survived by her brother, Philip J. Ratisseau (Connie), step-children Ticia, Luann (Billy), Roderick (Anna), Destrea, Nayshaynome, and Meagan (Vincent). She was “Aunt Nessa” to many nieces and nephews, but dearly loved being Nana to grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including her “favorite Lil’ Boy, Karson” and Jonay who stayed with Vanessa often. She will miss her aunts & uncles, many cousins, extended family, co-workers and friends.
After graduating from Sam Rayburn High School in 1975, Vanessa went on to obtain an Associates Degree from San Jacinto College. She worked at Joske’s Department Store and then Sherwin Williams, where she first met Able. She worked for many years and in various positions at the Houston Chronicle, many years as Administrative Assistant at HCA Clear Lake and then, until forced by health issues to retire, at University of Houston’s Executive Offices.
Vanessa thoroughly loved Rock n Roll music, especially live concerts, and traveling with Able and her girlfriends. She enjoyed lifelong friendships with Campfire Girls & Rainbow Girls friends, including Gayle (Bolick) Monahan and Barbara (Yates) Howes, who have spent the last several months by her side.
Visitation, viewing and service with family and friends will be held on Sunday, March 23 at 2 pm at Crowder Funeral Home – Clear Lake 111 E. Medical Center Blvd, Webster Texas, dinner afterwards at her favorite restaurant, Olive Garden (i45 & Fuqua location). A trip to Rosebud Texas will be planned at a future date in April, where her ashes will be spread at her beloved Camp Winiwaca.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the current camp owners can be made to BEloved and BEyond, a special needs camp where she and her Camp Fire friends made so many great memories and she will be laid to rest. Donations can be made at www.belovedandbeyond.kindful.com, or checks can be mailed to Beloved and Beyond, 557 County Rd 331, Rosebud, Texas 76570.
Vanessa was a beautiful person.
I will always remember her and keep her in my prayers.
We hope she rests well
Our prayers are with Karsen, as well
as with Philip and his family!!
God bless her soul.
I remember her very well If they close friend as we met at Southmore Junior High School, and remain friends at Rayburn, was always so nice and kind I wish I could have visited her during her time of the other. Rest in peace my friend and Rise in Glory 🙏.
Ray P Thompson
Vanessa and I knew each other from Rainbow Girls. About two years ago we reconnected and shared our cancer stories. The last time I messaged her was about a month ago. I know she’s in heaven with Abel and I’m thankful she’s out of pain. These last five years she’s been through so much. She was so thankful for her campfire friends that helped her these last few months. I’m going to miss her.