Alexis’ Obituary Alexis (Lexi) Lila Webb was an unexpected surprise for her parents, Ernie and Reina Webb, and her three siblings, Austin, Angie, and Aubri. The family lived in Salmon, and, at that time, there were no family doctors to deliver the baby, so her parents planned to travel to Missoula for her birth. When the contractions started, Ernie and Reina made the trip in record time, only to discover that the hospital was full, and they had to postpone Lexi’s arrival to the next day, March 18, 1999.
Lexi and her Dad were the only members of the family to be born in Montana, and that was always a of pride for her. Her Mom reminisced that, from the beginning, she has been a ray of sunshine for the family. She was a happy little girl with chubby cheeks and a smile that warmed the room.
Her seven-year-old sister, Aubri, became Lexi’s self-appointed caretaker, and remembers riding their tiny motorcycle, painting the dog’s toenails, and playing games in the car as they traveled. Lexi’s school years reflected her interest in learning, finding her own way, and developing her talents. She loved to read and trade books with her friends, and she was an engaged student in the classroom.
In 6th grade, she decided to take orchestra, and talked with Mr. Hanson, the Madison Junior High Orchestra teacher, about which instrument she should take on. When he shared that there were always a lot of violinists, and then asked if she would consider playing the viola, she accepted the challenge. She loved working with Mr. Hanson, respected his firmness, and appreciated his genuine caring nature.
Orchestra was a joy for her – and traveling to Disneyland and performing with the orchestra was one of her favorite memories. In Madison Junior High, she served as a teacher’s assistant in Mrs. Chaffin’s English class where she was a welcoming, encouraging mentor to every student, and a mature, insightful support to the teacher. She also enjoyed Science, particularly, Mrs. Parkinson’s class, and was instrumental in forming a tarantula club.
Mrs. Parkinson and Ms. White shared, “Lexi was kind and sweet, she loved all animals and that is how she got started with tarantulas. She loved to be part of the group and to hold tarantulas when others got them out. Throughout her life, she enjoyed spending time with her family as they celebrated holidays together, held family dinners, played games, and were one another’s best friends.
When Lexi was a little girl, the family traveled together to Disneyland, and she was excited to share the experience with her family. While in California, they went to SeaWorld, and Lexi was able to touch the sea animals and visit with the trainers, and she enjoyed the experience so much that she added “Marine Biologist” to her list of possible careers. Another favorite family trip was to the Oregon coast.
Her father remembered that they bought sky lanterns and launched them into the air. She loved sitting by the campfire, welcoming her new brother-in-law, Brendon, to the family, and bonding with her siblings and nieces. Her family and extended family meant the world to her.
When Lexi graduated from high school, she wrote a letter to her grandparents, who had passed away. She expressed her love for them and shared, “Dear Grandma and Grandpa Chandler, I did it. I will be graduating high school on Friday…I’m grateful for the time that I was able to spend with you, either in this life, or before I was born.
I just want to thank you for guiding my life, and i know you’ve always watched over me. I love you guys so much. I did it!
” Lexi was spiritually sensitive. When she turned eight, she was so excited to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As her father was traveling for work at the time, he made a special trip home for her baptism.
As she progressed spiritually, she had a desire to serve a mission, so she prepared faithfully, and submitted her mission papers when she turned nineteen. She was thrilled to be called to the California Ventura Mission and knew that her Heavenly Father would enable her to accomplish the work. Shortly after her arrival at the MTC, her health deteriorated, and she returned home.
She was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and began chemotherapy to fight the disease. When she began losing her hair, her siblings demonstrated their love and support by shaving their heads, and Aubri remembers the laughter, joy, and love that was present that night. Lexi’s mother said that she is grateful for the fun that Lexi brought into their lives – she was always upbeat about life, even with her challenges.
When she discovered she had cancer, she faced it with a cheerful heart and positive outlook, and she maintained that vision throughout. Her Dad is grateful for the love and companionship she provided for him and her mother. When the three of them traveled to Utah to see some of Lexi’s oncology doctors, they went out to dinner, and true to form, Lexi was excited to challenge herself by eating the raw fish, medium rare meats, and exotic foods.
Her enthusiasm, strength, and courage always meant so much to him. Aubri is grateful for the love Lexi had for her nieces and nephews. One Christmas, she bought them all a stuffed animal and hand-stitched their names on the animals.
It was and is a cherished gift for each of them. Lexi enjoyed people and didn’t shy away from those who were different from her. In her interactions, she made sure that everyone was included, welcomed, and loved.
Those who associated with her at school agreed that she was kind and good to everyone – students, teachers, and staff. She had a dynamic smile that was contagious; it went with her cute laugh. She was gentle and friendly to others in a quiet-genuine way.
Lexi died of health complications on Wednesday, February 13, 2019. She is survived by her parents, Ernie and Reina; siblings, Austin (Lisa) of Blackfoot, Idaho, Angie (Hailie) of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Aubri (Brenden) Pope, of Sugar City, Idaho, and nieces, Tayler, Whittney, Cameryn, McKinley, Jane, and Lyla; nephews, Austin, Gray, and Raiden; and Grandmother, Rita Webb of Columbia Falls, Montana. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Robert & Rowaine Chandler, Vernon Webb, and uncle, Dean Werner, and cousins Tara Busick, Samantha Webb, and Karine Werner.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, February 18, at the LaBelle 2nd Ward Chapel, 4223 East 528 North Rigby, Idaho. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Sunday at Eckersell Funeral Home, 101 W. Main Street, Rigby. Interment will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at the Salmon Cemetery.
Services are under the care of Eckersell Funeral Home in Rigby.
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