Ella Corin Hibbs

Ella Corin Hibbs, 5, earned her angel wings as she passed away peacefully in the arms of her family Thursday, January 28, 2010 at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo. She and all of her family were hoping that a bone marrow transplant would extend her life after being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on Nov 20, 2008. Ella wanted to live and fought so hard to stay with us, but could not overcome the many complications of her cancer treatment.

Her personality blossomed during this past year as she underwent cancer treatment at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, IA. Prior to treatment she was a quiet little girl, but somehow this journey brought out the best in her and the best in our family. Ella taught us so much more than we brought to her. She never complained during any of her chemotherapy; showing us strength, determination, laughter, playfulness, forgiveness, and love. She lived in the moment, seldom doing things half-heartedly. Perseverance was her strength; she never gave up. A lesson we all learned from her while she lived and that we will carry on as we live for her.

Some of our most cherished moments were during the many days we spent at Blank. Ella entertained the nurses and doctors with her lively spirit as they stopped by her room. Ella’s team at Blank was always eager to visit and see what she was up to. Her vivacious personality, impersonations, art projects, wardrobe changes and playing “Name That Drawing” are a few of her most memorable attributes. She never complained about being sick and cooped up in the hospital. She could turn the craziest predicaments into adventures and turned difficult situations into ones that were joyous and inspirational.

She loved her sister Riley, more than anything. One of the best parts of our day was tucking them in at night, as they shared the same bed. She loved to snuggle and was full of love. She wanted to be a doctor or a nurse, she loved to clean the house, loved The Food Network Channel, loved music, art, doodling, making people laugh, photography, and making videos. Ella was a girlie girl, she loved lip gloss, fingernail polish, sparkly clothes, Hello Kitty everything, and shoes. She delighted in going to school and learning new things at the Walnut Street School where she attended Preschool and Kindergarten. Her spirit will live forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Ella is survived by her mother and father, Pam & Tony Hibbs, her big sister Riley, Grandparents: Jan & John Shewanick, Kum & Larry Hibbs; aunts & uncles: Karen & Michael Mychalczuk, Bryan & Laci Shewanick, Holly & Kip Blake, David and Kristi Hibbs; and cousins; Kyrie, Andrew, Justin, Avery, Carter, Anden, Kendall, Zachary and Asher.

Please join us in celebrating Ella’s precious life. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 2nd, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway at 3601 Westown Pkwy, West Des Moines, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, February 3rd, at Lutheran Church of Hope at 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, at 1:00 p.m. Charitable contributions can be made to the Hibbs Family or to the Child Life Program at Blank Children’s Hospital.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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