For Loving Support for the Ellis Family

Hello family and friends of Shane and Camille Ellis,

My name is Chanda House, and I am Shane's younger sister. Their family experienced a tragedy this last week with the loss of their 6 year old son, Jaguar. We are thankful to everyone asking how to help and support them in this difficult time. We have set up this account to make it easier for others to donate to help with expenses and ease the burden on their family. Venmo is also available to donate directly to Shane @deserthorseman.

Jaguar Canyon Ellis

March 23, 2017 – August 12, 2023

Jaguar Canyon Ellis, cherished son of Shane and Camille Ellis, passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2023 in rural Guthrie County, Iowa. Jaguar, age 6, was born in Ames, Iowa, and enjoyed playing with his five older siblings: Autumn, Ryker, Stetson, Emmarae, and Tyconder. Jaguar was born with Down syndrome and communicated mostly in sign language, which he learned very quickly by watching Signing Time videos. Little Jaguar was a constant delight and joy to the Ellis family!

Jaguar was always very sweet and loved to wake up his Mom each morning by kissing her toes. Music was his true love language, and he adored sitting on his Mom’s lap while she played the piano. Jaguar enjoyed singing along to Christmas songs and Disney songs, as well as worship songs about Jesus.

Each week Jaguar looked forward to riding a horse at Timbercreek Horse Therapies, where he received speech and occupational therapies while on horseback. He enjoyed animals and was quite gentle with them, including any stray cats who stopped by the house. He always wanted to feed animals a snack and was fascinated to watch intently as they ate.

Jaguar loved to run and explore outside. He would run to find puddles and then throw rocks in them to make big splashes. He also loved to kick soccer balls and jump on the trampoline, plus take rides in his Cozy Coupe while listening to a playlist of his favorite music. He looked forward to piggyback rides, making paper airplanes, and recording silly videos with his siblings.

Jaguar loved to craft and do learning activities, and he was always excited to read books. His absolute favorite books were the Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems. He also adored the That’s Not My series by Usborne books, as well as many other children’s classics such as Duck and Goose Find a Pumpkin, Duck and Goose It’s Time for Christmas, Sheep in a Jeep, and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!

Jaguar was ecstatic every time he got to go to the park or drive through the carwash. This past year he had fun going to tumbling classes and performing in a recital. He loved to scoop, stir, mix, and bake with his Daddy. They would often make homemade pizza and chocolate chip cookies, along with all his other favorite dishes. Jaguar had recently even learned how to pound nails while building a hitching post with his Daddy.

Jaguar gave the best hugs and the sweetest butterfly kisses. He insisted on dancing cheek-to-cheek, and he loved to snuggle on Mom’s pillow. When Daddy was busy at work, Jaguar would ask to video chat, just so that they could play peek-a-boo together over the phone.

Life was an adventure to Jaguar, and his energy was boundless! He enjoyed every minute of the short time he spent on this earth. He overcame many severe illnesses and physical challenges and inspired his family every day with his determination and big heart. He will be loved and remembered always.

Funeral services for Jaguar Ellis will be held on Sunday, August 20, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Panorama High School auditorium in Panora, Iowa. A visitation will be held at the school from 4:00 – 5:30 pm. All friends, family, and community members are invited to join the Ellis family in celebrating Jaguar’s life. Be prepared for an overload of cuteness!

Funeral Services will be provided by the Twigg Funeral Home in Panora, Iowa. www.twiggfuneralhome.com