ELLSWORTH, Alexander Joel

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 10/12/2012 Alexander Joel Ellsworth the beloved son of Lindsey Williams-McDanel passed away Oct. 1, 2012 at the age of 10. He fought cancer valiantly for six-and-a-half years. In June, Alex suffered a bone marrow relapse. When the chemotherapy stopped working, Alex continued to fight for five more weeks when he lost his battle at the Ryan House in Phoenix, a hospice facility for children. Alex was born Dec. 29, 2001 in Tucson. He was a brilliant child who loved fishing and monster trucks. Alex touched so many lives that his impact will never be forgotten. He was loved and will be terribly missed by his family. Especially his mother, Lindsey Williams-McDanel, who loved him with every ounce of her being. She feels her greatest honor in life was to have such an amazing and beautiful son. She will spend the rest of her life attempting to match Alex’s courage and strength. She is so proud of him for fighting like a man and can’t wait for the day when she will hold him in her arms again. He was dearly loved by his little sisters, Alyssa McDanel and BreeLee Anna McDanel who stood by his side through his journey. Both girls spent time with their brother at the Ryan House and did everything they could to “cheer” him up in his final weeks of life. His uncle, Garrett Williams, who raised him like a son and loved playing video games with him. His best friend, Joseph Spaulding, who cared for him like the Dad he never had. At the end, Joseph helped Alex in every aspect of his life and spent countless hours constructing Lego sets. Joseph went to great lengths to honor every last wish that Alex desired. His grandmother, Joy Williams, who loved him, “more than anything else on earth” because Alex literally was her “heart.” His grandfather, Gary Williams, who so deeply loved his “Little Alejandro.” Gary’s final message to his grandson “Alex, it’s been good ... Next time it will better.” A memorial service will be announced at a later date.