Elias George Bethke, 2 1/2 years old, died suddenly on Wednesday November 23, 2011 at St. Luke's Hospital.
Born in Providence, RI on April 24, 2009, Elias was the loving son of Jada M. Baptiste and Lawrence J. Bethke.
Elias was a joy to everyone who met him. He was always smiling (except when he was hungry!) and loved the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Patty the Pig from Sprout.
Elias especially loved his Mommy and sister (who was always acting goofy for him); loved it when his Dad did "This Little Piggy" on his toes; when his Bebe peeked in the window at him; when his Meme played the "1,2,3" game with him; when his Auntie Johnna did "POW, POW" with him; and when anyone signed "The Itsy Bitsy Spider".
Elias' spirit will be forever seared in the hearts of those he touched in his short time on this earth.
Survivors include his parents; his sister, Helaina; his grandparents, Lucy and Frank Ramos; his great-grandmother, Lucy Rapoza; his Godmother, Sasha Griffith; his Godfather, Clifford Manrodt; and loving aunts, uncles, cousins and his nurses.
His Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday at 11 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Visiting hours Monday 5-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to March of Dimes, Attn; DRFR, 1275 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, NY 10605. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.