Elijah Lee Charles Ottison, 12, passed away unexpectedly, holding the hands of his mom and dad, on March 1, 2024 after a 16- month battle with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and a brief battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Elijah is survived by his Mother and Father, Cassaundra Zerr- Ottison and Timothy Ottison Jr; Siblings Jonah Ottison, Nova Ottison, Moriah Ottison, and Lilliannah Ottison, all of St Joseph, MO; Grandmothers Ophelia Douglas of St. Joseph, MO, and Mary Zerr of Saint Charles, MO; Aunts Jasmine Douglas of Saint Joseph, MO, Cheryl Guardiola (Michael Guardiola) of Oakley, California, Tamara Douglas of Saint Joseph MO, LarTarsh Woordich of South Carolina, and Christie Zerr of Saint Charles, MO; Uncles Anthony Douglas Sr. of Saint Joseph MO, Christopher Ottison of Saint Joseph MO, Jonathan Ottison (Alba Romero- Ottison) of Baton Rouge, LA, Kevin Ottison(Julie Williams) of Saint Joseph MO, Lionel Ottison of Saint Joseph MO, Reginal Ottison (Kassie Churchill) of Mound City, MO, Daniel Ottison(Natasha King) Of Saint Joseph MO, William Zerr (Raven) of Wentzville, MO, and Allen Zerr (Tiffany Shofner) of Wentzville, MO; Cousins Shayla Gero(Bryon Miller), Nyla Miller, Legend Miller, Byron Miller Jr, Jade Gero, Marisa Gero, Richard Gero, Nivia Guardiola, Isabella Guardiola, Miguel Guardiola, Anthony Douglas Jr, Lauren Douglas, Lachovia Douglas, Aiden Douglas, Jameria, London, Izellah Monroe, Jaylee Ottison, Awesome Riley, Amazing Riley, Jamal Ottison, McKinley Ottison, Arianna Thorne, Nevaeh Thorne, Autumn Vaughn (Lane), Aubree Vaughn (AJ), and Aubree Whitmore; and numerous Great Aunts, Great Uncles and extended family.
Elijah is preceded in death by his Grandfathers Rodney Zerr of St. Charles, Mo, and Timothy Ottison Sr of Texas.
Elijah was born on April 20, 2011. Elijah had an infectious smile and heart of gold. Elijah loved spending time with his family, playing Fortnite with family and friends, collecting Transformers, building Legos, catching Pokemon, reading his favorite manga, watching his favorite anime, and playing basketball. Elijah was an amazing role model and fierce protector of his younger siblings and cousins. Elijah loved Takis and strawberry Fanta.
Elijah was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on November 10, 2022. Elijah was treated at Children’s Mercy Hospital Hematology/ Oncology Clinic and quickly became a model patient and a staff favorite. Even when Elijah was struggling, he remained a kind, gentle soul.
Elijah’s family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Elijah’s Children’s Mercy Hematology/Oncology team — Dr. Joel Thompson, Nurse Practitioner Lindsey Fricke, and Social Worker Angela Bradford — for the unwavering and unconditional love, care, and compassion they showed Elijah and his family during his treatment, as well as his final hours. Elijah’s team rushed to be by his side during Elijah’s final hours, fought fiercely alongside the CMH PICU team, and provided support to Elijah’s family after his passing.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, Elijah’s family requests a donation of Legos to the Children’s Mercy Hematology/ Oncology clinic in Elijah’s honor. A collection box will be available at the service. Monetary donations would also be appreciated to the following organizations: The Noyes Home for Children, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and The Supporting Kids Foundation, in honor of Elijah. Elijah’s family suggests blood donation in honor of Elijah as well.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family encourages attendees to wear Elijah’s favorite colors of red and blue. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
