Benjamin Robert Ellsworth

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dear Amy and Cory, I just heard today of Ben's death. It brought back a flood of memories of that one year we lived in England and how your family made our transition to the new life there much easier. I cannot hear "Mulan" songs, or "Seven Brides" without thinking of you. We were always at home in your house. We loved gentle Ben and still see him in our minds wearing his Big Ben necktie. We grieve with you.

Dear Elder Ellsworth's Family,

You don't know me, but I started writing Ben when he was in the MTC. I was put in contact with him through my friend, Elder Nick Stocking as they were in the same district together. I found out of his passing away today, 24 Jan 2006 and was greatly troubled. I knew I needed to write to let you know that in the few letters he wrote me it was clearly evident how much he loved learning and doing the Lord's work in Argentina. Even though he jokingly stated how much the Rosario people smelled. :) He had a great sense of humor, and duty, but most of all I could sense his real love for the gospel and his family. He exclaimed, "I can't wait to start the real missionary work, and start preaching the gospel."

He also wrote, "Well, about my family, they are awesome. I've got the coolest parents and twin 5-year old brothers, they're little terrorists. They are awesome though. The boys are fraternal, so very different, but the cutest guys ever. My oldest brother is 22, and my younger sisters Atley and Emily are 17 and 15, respectively. So, I've got both sides of the fence in my family: brothers and sisters. But its a blast and I wouldn't trade it for ANYTHING. Aren't families great?!?

He truly did love his family. I'm so sorry for your loss, but I know you will see him again someday. I know it with all my heart and soul.

Considering I didn't know him personally, I was surprised at just how heavy my heart was from hearing of his passing. But, after reading and re-reading about how much he loved the mission and his family, I knew why I was so sad. He was a valiant spirit and a wonderful person. Definately not someone you run into everyday. I wish I could have met him and had the chance to be around such a valiant spirit and amazing person, but I am grateful to have gotten to know him from his letters.

I'm supposing he's still a missionary in heaven though, and respectfully, I see it as so exciting. Perhaps there was a need for more missionary work in the spirit world.

Well, it's not my place to decipher, but I am grateful I had the chance to write such an amazing missionary. Thank you for giving me a Christ-like example to look up to for years to come. I feel closer to the Lord because of his example and like others have said, he has touched many people and will continue to do so for generations to come. My prayers are with your family and may God be with you till your family meets with him again and are reunited.

With Sympathy and Love,

Tia Rose

Dear Amy and family,



I was visiting with my mom the other day and she told me of how uplifted she felt during the services for your Ben. My heart skipped a beat as I thought of our son serving a mission and the 5 brothers to follow him. May the peace of the gospel be with you through the challenges we face in life.



Annette

To the family of Elder Ellsworth...Thank you for the blessing that came to our ward in the death of your son. His compainion at the time of his death was from our ward. The fasting and prayers that drew us closer to each other as a ward family but also to your family was truly a miracle. The joy we felt in knowing that our Savior had him in his arms. Thank you for letting your son touch so many lives not only in Argintina but also Washington. You are in our thoughts and prayers always and will he will never be forgotten. Thank you again for the Christmas miracle.

Cory - I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Diane Schwartz passed along the news just today. My heart is heavy and I am thinking of your and your family.

I didn't have the privilege of knowing Benjamin and I don't know you, his loving Family, but I did serve a mission in Rosario, Argentina a few years back.



My heart and prayers go out to you all in this very difficult time in your lives. I lost my beloved Mother a few years ago, suddenly, and it still hurts deeply.



I have never accepted it, when everyone says, "She's in a better place", "doing missionary work", etc. I want her here and I miss her terribly and I have no idea why she was taken when she was. Only God knows.



It's hard to imagine anything going on in heaven, that would require her presence, that would be more important than her Family here. It's just life and sometimes it makes no sense at all.



She also wanted to be here on this earth, as did your son, brother and friend. She wanted to be with her loving family, not on the other side. I'm sure to this day, that she would return, in a second, if given the chance.



My Mom loved her family very much as I'm sure your son loved all of you.



The other thing that many will say, is that "you have to get over it" and I'm here to say that simply isn't true or necessary.



That would be what I consider to be the unhealthy way to deal with such tragedy and loss.



You loved your Son very much, and will always think of him and miss his presence. Nothing can fully replace that, ever. There will always be a void where he would have been.



You will find yourself wondering where he'd be, what would be doing if he was here, what he would have done with his life, etc. That is normal, healthy thinking.



I just try to live with and accept the situation, knowing that one day, we will be reunited on the other side. Until then, I will still love her, miss her and try to feel close to her.



I think the best thing to do, is to try to feel close to them, reach out to their memory by watching videos of them often, especially around the Holidays, reading letters, going to places that they loved, favorite restaurants, etc.



We go over to the cemetery, at least once a week, to say hi, we love you and miss you. I find it very healing and therapeutic.



We always keep artificial flowers there and change them for the different seasons and Holidays, as if she was here with us.



Don't ever let his memory fade by trying to "get over it." Embrace his life, his love and presence as if he was still a part of your life here on earth. I think that it is more healthy and will give you more peace inside.



I just wanted to share my experience with losing a loved one suddenly and let you know that I pray for you and keep you in my thoughts.



I hope that you will all find the internal peace and understanding that you seek while keeping his memory close to you and embracing him. I'm sure you can feel his love pouring down on you everyday.



With much love,



Samuel

Dear Corey & Amy:



We just heard about Ben's new mission call on the 12th of December. After many tears and thoughts of you and your awesome family, we called the Temple in Columbus, Ohio----your TRUE home state. We are so very thankful for the knowledge of eternal life and the promise that we may all be together once again. When our son was hit by a Dodge Ram Van in 1999---we remember crying out--"but Heavenly Father---this is our beloved son" and we felt a very quick, comforting light surrounding us with the assured words from Him that yes, He understood, for He sent His beloved Son for all of mankind". It truly expanded our perspective and comforted our hearts to know that both Heavenly Father and our Savior were very aware of our agony---then we moved on and were ever thankful again for The Plan!---



We love you dearly and realize the true success of Ben's mission, for he will forever affect generations to come and a peaceful sense of joy will be yours eternally.

Take care now and know you have friends who cherish you in Ohio!

Love, Paul-Judy-Missy & Cougar Clark

Dear Brother and Sister Ellsworth and Family,



You don’t know me, but I’m on the Returned Missionary Moms email list and have read with a sad heart several messages that told about your missionary’s passing. My family is acquainted with grief, because our nineteen-year-old son was killed in a car accident almost fourteen years ago. He wasn’t on his mission yet, but was preparing to go. Please know that there are many who are praying for you and grieving with you at this time. I know that even in our darkest days, because of the great gospel plan, finding a bit of joy each day is possible. We will continue to pray for you.



With love,

Dear Brother & Sister Ellsworth & family,



We haven't had the previlege of meeting your family, but we know of your anguish at the loss of your precious missionary son. We also lost a son in a bicycle/train accident in Komatsu, Japan. It was 25 years ago, but as Christmas was the last time we spoke with him and Christmas is such a family time, that our feelings are still very tender this time of the year.



How I wish I could sit and talk with you and hopefully help you through this difficult ordeal. Please know help will come to you in many ways and that time will heal some of the hole left in your hearts.



We thank you for the wonderful son you raised and his contribution to our contry and our church. Words are inadequate to express the depth of the compassion we feel for your family. Just know we understand. We will continue to pray for your comfort and blessing at this time.

Myrna and Lewis Pratt, Mapleton, Utah

Cory, Amy and family,

Ben was and is a great kid. I'm glad for the time I have spent with him and the rest of you in HK and Virginia. I'm particularly grateful now for the long phone conversation he and I had this spring between Marines and mission. It's a great loss for those of us left, particularly you, but as you know, Ben is fine. I hope you know how much I love you all.

Dear Ellsworth,

I have a son on a mission. In my wildest I could could imagine what you are going through. We are so sorry for your loss, we will keep you and your family in our prayers. J and Joni Rose

Cory, Amy and family,

We were so sorry to hear about Ben. He was such a sweet, fun, good-hearted boy. Your family made such an impact in our lives, and we feel very blessed to have had the chance to know you. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. We love you all so much.

Love,

Ellsworths,

We were so saddened to hear about your son. Our son is also serving in the Rosario mission and told us about Benjamin in his email Monday morning. He learned of the news in a newletter sent to all the missionaries. He was so saddened to hear what happened. He told us how hard it will be for Pres. Hutchinson. He has heard that your son was and will continue to be a great missionary. We know it is something none of us ever want to hear. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.



Robert and Nanette Brinton

Dear Ellsworth Family,

We don't know you personally but our son entered the MTC the same day as Ben and was priveleged to be his companion there. We noticed you in the parking lot that day and were impressed by your relationship with one another. (Bens sunglasses were hard to miss among those wide eyed missionaries!)When Ian wrote and said they were companions he also said what a great person "Elder Ellsworth" was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May Heavenly Fathers most special blessing be yours.

Ellsworth Family



We wanted to write and express our feelings of thanks to your family for Ben's service to his country and the Lord. We can't imagine the extent of your earthly loss of your son. Our son is currently serving in Brazil and we miss him greatly. We know your son was valiant and he and your family will be blessed for your sacrifices. We love and pray for you.

The Smiley Family

I'm so sorry for the loss of your son, Cory. It is a hard thing to lose a child. We just lost our Susie in May this year. Don't know if you remember me, but maybe my kids, John,Van,Terri,Susan, Mitch & Casey Hall. Give my love to your family & your sweet mother! Our prayers are with you all.

To my Sweet cousin Cory and his wonderful family,



How I wish I were there today to give you a big hug. Please know how much we are praying for you and will continue to do so. My world today is covered in new white snow and it reminds me of the pure in heart such as Benjamin who serve their God and country with such conviction. Thank you for raising such a good family.You are in my heart.I love you!

Dear Corey,

I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your son. I know that he continues to seve the Lord. Having not seen you since high school, I will always remember what a class act you were and the good influence you and your family were on me. I still have a photo of you, my brother Bill, and Ted Hewson on a makeshift raft floating down the Escalante River. I want you to know that our prayers are with you and your family.

love, John and Lynda Stout

Dear Cory and Amy,

I went to high school with Cory, well sort of, I was at Westwood but graduated the same year. I heard about the news of your son from Hilton Harris who lives up here in Flagstaff also. I just wanted you to know how much my heart is hurting for you and your family. My son Randall is currently serving in Brazil and so this news hits close to home. I wanted to attend the funeral to hear of what a wonderful young man your son must have been but was unable to make the trip. Please know of my deepest sympathies for what your family is going through.

In Sympathy and Love,

Ronda Randall-West

Dearest Cory and Amy,



At this time of your grieving for your son, please know that he is yet nearby, and that we truly know you will see him again. We love you and all your family so dearly, and are so grateful for the time we were able to be with you in Hong Kong. Our prayers and love are with you at this time, and always. Dan, Eileen and children

Dear Cory,

I don't know your family and I didn't know your son, but I am truly sorry for your loss. It's a wonderful feeling to know that he is with Heavenly Father and you will be together again.

Dear Ellsworth Family,

We are deeply saddened by the death of your son. Our hearts go out to each of you. We will remember you in our prayers. We know that Ben came from a good family and that he was a great missionary and will always be remembered as such.

With Our Blessings.

Amy and Cory, we grieve with you, but also rejoice with you. What would we do without our knowledge of our Savior and His Atonement.

We love you and yours. Our prayers are with you.

Ara and Carla Call

Corey and Amy and kids--We just want you to know that we love you and have and will continue to pray for you everyday. We feel so blessed that you came to Virginia and enriched all our lives with your beautiful family. We will miss Ben's sweet infectious smile and hugs. We are so glad Dain was able to spend some time with him in the MTC before they left on their missions. Our love and prayers are with you, Ben is truly one of the finest young men we have ever known. Love, The Berrett family

Ben was such a fine young man and it is with great sadness that we hear of his death. We hope that your family receives comfort and the peace that your knowledge of the atonement brings. You will be in our prayers. Wylie and Lynelle Chenn

Brother and Sister Ellsworth, and sweet children. We ache for the loss of this wonderful son. He truly will be a tool our Heavenly Father will use for much good. He is brave and strong and happy and contagious with his positive view. We are sure your grief is heavy, but we know this pain will be eased by our loving Savior who is keenly aware of your great faith. Bless you, bless you.

Cory, Amy and family,

How much we love your family and how very much we will miss Ben in our home. He was the "best" friend and home teacher. Our prayers are with you and yet we feel of your faith which buoys us up and strengthens us at this difficult time. His influence will always be in our home for he affected us and infected us with his smile, hugs, love and laughter. How grateful we are to know your family and to have had the privilege of knowing Ben. Our family prayer is that you will continue to have a spirit of peace and comfort which you have passed on to those who mourn with you. Ben was taught well that example means more than any words. He was ALWAYS a good example! We love you.



Dave and Chris and family

To the Ellsworth Family,



I went to school with Cory, and Karie was our Relief Society Pres. about 12 years ago. I'm sorry to hear of the lose of your son. My son just left on his mission in November, I pray everyday for his safety. Sounds like he was an incredible missionary. May our Heavenly Father bless your family with peace through this hard time.

I don't think there is enough I can say about Ben. He truly touched everyone's lives that he entered in the most positive manner. I am so grateful for the wonderful memories I have with "MJ" and I will never forget the friend and brother that I had with him. I love the Ellsworth family and I pray every night for them. I know we will all be with him again and that he is now watching over all of those that he loves.

I can't adequately express my feelings in words to you and your family at this difficult time. My son recently "came home" from his Mission in Iowa and I can't imagine what you are going through. But I know you are very strong people and the Lord will be with you and bless you through all of this, as your departed son continues his mission of love in the spirit world.



God Bless

Dear Ellsworth Family,



Our hearts are very tender toward you and your family at this sad time. We offer our prayer of gratitude for the service that Elder Ellsworth gave to his country and to our Heavenly Father. We too have a son serving a mission in Brazil and so we are sensitive to the special bond between missionaries and their parents. We pray that Heavenly Father will bless your hearts to find peace and comfort in the message that Ben was teaching to people of Argentina.



Our Deepest Sympathies,

Darren & Joy Stirland

We were sorry to hear the news about Benjamin. You have our deepest sympathy. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family. Stay strong, all our love.

Dear Ellsworth family,

We love you and will miss Ben terribly. We have such fun memories of him from the Pioneer Trek to times in our home. He was a great example of love for others by serving God, our Country, Family and Friends. We pray for you every day.

Love, Ernest McKay family

Dear Cory Paul and Amy Ellsworth and family,

No words can express the sadness of the loss of your son LCPL Benjamin Ellsworth. I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to you both, your family and friends.

I am a Vietnam Marine Widow and National VP of Gold Star Wives of America and live here in Phoenix area I just wanted you to know we are here to be of any assistance I can be.



May God be with you during this time of tragedy.

Semper Fi,

there is nothing we can say to make you feel any better. you are in our thoughts and prayers we just lost our justin 2 months ago in the usu van rollover, he was home just 3 months from his mission. please know that you are in our prayers.

i am so sorry to hear this news my deepest condolences to your family.