Joseph Merrill Boothe

Joseph Merrill Boothe passed away quickly and suddenly late in the evening on Monday July 20th, 2020. This was in spite of the gallant efforts of hospital staff to revive him. He was five years old.
Though terribly short compared to the average person’s lifespan, Joseph lived much longer than most children who share his genetic disorder: Trisomy 18 or Edwards syndrome. Born with holes in his heart—in addition to many other health issues—Joseph was sent home to die with his parents shortly after surviving birth.
But he did not die. In spite of his frailties, Joseph showed remarkable resilience from the very beginning. In spite of mental delays associated with his condition, Joseph also began smiling at a typical age. No matter the health issue, no matter how long his hospital stays were, Joseph always bounced back—cheerful and full of life.
Doctors and surgeons were eventually persuaded to risk a myriad of medical interventions. Joseph survived them all and began to thrive with a healthy heart. He eventually grew into an active, robust little boy.
Even though his condition prevented him from learning to talk, Joseph was extremely communicative. He learned to vocalize over his respiratory ventilation system and would enthusiastically communicate a wide variety of emotions. From the day of his birth, his eyebrows were also extremely expressive. He learned to sit up on his own and, eventually, to balance himself enough to enjoy the family swing in the front yard.
Joseph’s personality was radiant. He inspired joy and love in many people. Complete strangers would sometimes approach his parents to comment on how being around Joseph would make them feel happy.
Joseph’s medical problems required the support of many healthcare professionals and great sacrifices on his family’s part. His parents, and later his older sister, would regularly take turns staying up around the clock to make sure he always got his medications and, in the case of frequent breathing or stomach problems, was attended to immediately. Through his sincere joyfulness and unconditional love, Joseph always found ways to give back to his caregivers.
Joseph is survived by both his parents, Ryan and Becca, his two older siblings, Mariah and Xavier, as well as by his younger sister, Catherine. A memorial service will be held in Joseph’s honor on August 1st, 2020 at the LDS chapel at 235 East 550 North, Springville, UT. Due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the attendance to the service is not open to the public. At 11:00 am, however, his family will be outside the chapel to meet those who wish to express their condolences.