Cole Sandefer

Cole Bryant Sandefer, 17 months, passed away Jan. 15, 2012, at the family home in Stevensville, Md. His parents, Jesse and Alayna (Lanie) Sandefer (formerly of Columbia Falls), and brothers, Chase Schulte and Cody Sandefer, were by his side.

He was born Aug. 17, 2010, in Charlottesville, Va. The family moved to Maryland in June of 2011.

Cole was diagnosed in October 2011 with rhabdoid tumors, a rare form of childhood cancer. For three months, he battled through chemotherapy treatments at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Throughout his treatments, he remained bright-eyed, active and happy. After long days of chemotherapy, he would come home full of energy and ready to play with his older brothers. In January 2012, Cole's conditioned worsened, and he was transitioned to Home Hospice care, where he ultimately lost his battle.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Russell Schulte, and great grandparents Bryant Sandefer, Joan Mehring; Al Shay, Leo Schulte and Bud Dusterhoff.

Survivors include his loving parents and brothers; grandparents Laurie Shay, Kalispell, Lynn and Joan Sandefer, Bill Schulte, and Dusty Dusterhoff, Columbia Falls, Lynn Mehring, Hendersonville, N.C.; aunts and uncles Holly Sandefer, Hendersonville, N.C., Anna, Sarah and Emily Downen, Columbia Falls, and Jay Dusterhoff, Seattle; special aunt Mary Tingley, Mount Airy, Md.; great grandparents Janet Sandefer, Gladys Shay, Josephine Dusterhoff, Columbia Falls, Fred and Lenore Mehring, Hungry Horse, and Edith Mason, Kalispell; and numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Funeral services were held Jan. 21, 2012, at Fellowship Alliance Church, in Columbia Falls. Interment followed at Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations can be made to the "Itty Bitty Fundraiser" via Facebook or mailed to 203 Oakwood Lane, Stevensville MD 21666 where they will be directed to treat childhood cancer at Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C.