Ember Jean Reps was called home to heaven on July 26, 2020. Ember was born on March 25, 2019, to Shawn and Allison Reps, with a chromosomal abnormality called Trisomy 18. Ember had many more diagnoses as a result of this condition, including organ defects and developmental delays, but she never let it slow her down. Ember was a joyful, determined little girl, and she made good use of her time on earth spreading happiness to all who knew her. She met milestones on her own timeline, grew and thrived in a way she wasn't "supposed" to, and completely won over a team of medical providers who didn't know to expect much from her.
Trisomy 18 is still considered "incompatible with life" in most medical communities, but Ember's family fiercely advocated for her and gave her every support available to her. Ember loved therapy and play time, blowing raspberries, and interacting with anyone she could. But she especially adored her sisters. She watched them so intently and responded to everything they did. She also loved daddy's tickles and mommy's songs. Ember was our little ray of sunshine and we will love and miss her forever.
Ember is survived by her parents, Shawn and Allison; siblings, Willa, Lilli, Alexis, and CJ (Carmen, Scarlett and Ivy); grandparents, Steve and Pam Reps and Gary and Dana Baer; great-grandparents, Richard and Bev Reps and Karen Bonow; aunts and uncles, Shannon (Brent) Decker, Samantha Reps, Sara Reps, Dylan Baer (Jena), and Jake Baer (Mackenzie); many great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins, and the Trisomy community who loved her dearly.
She was welcomed into heaven by great-grandparents, Willis Bonow, Irvin Jr and Eunice Baer, Milton and Bonita Thill; and cousin, Janel Mack. The family would like to thank the outstanding care team Ember had at Gundersen Health System and homecare nursing and staff at Recover Health for the excellent care they all provided for her.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 2, 2020 at Fremont Scottish Cemetery, County Road 111 in Utica. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Saturday, August 1, 2020 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview. Hoff Funeral Home is assisting the family.