Benton Brovont

Benton Millard Brovont, age 7, went to be with the Lord Jesus on May 4, 2013, after battling cancer for two and a half years. He was born to Merle and Rachel (Long) Brovont on November 8, 2005, at Ellensburg, WA. In 2007 Benton moved with his family to Zillah, WA, where he spent the next three years making new friends and enjoying the innocence of childhood. He loved to be outside and was fascinated with the little details of God’s creation. He loved to watch the plants grow and change through the seasons, but was always sad when they died. During the summertime, he would be out picking grapes, raspberries, and cherry tomatoes by 6:00 in the morning. When his mother would ask where he had been, he would smile and say, “Just out eating God’s candy”. He loved to dream about what kinds of fruit would grow on the tree of life in heaven. Benton quickly became known for his caring heart and gentle spirit. He had a ravenous hunger and thirst for the Word of God that could not be quenched. It took much time to read the Bible to him because he wanted every verse fully explained before we read on. When we were unable to sufficiently answer a question, he would smile and say, “That’s okay, someday I’ll ask Jesus”. On January 5, 2011, he was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer known as Neuroblastoma. For our family, this began a two year stay in Seattle while he underwent a rigorous treatment plan at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Over the course of Benton’s illness, there have been many highs and lows. Moments when you are sure you will beat the disease, and times when you are unsure; but in any case, always filled with hope. Then the realization that, despite our best efforts to preserve his life, God was allowing his earthly body to give out. On May 4, 2013, Benton’s spirit returned unto God who gave it. For several days before he died, he was unable to move at all. The night he died, his dad was reading to him about the New Jerusalem. When they read the words, “and the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass”, Benton raised both arms straight up. He continued raising his arms every 10-20 seconds until he drew his last breath. He is survived by his parents, Merle and Rachel, his brother Wilson, all of Zillah, WA, his grandparents; Millard and Rachel Brovont of North Manchester, IN and Allen and Mary Long of Zillah, WA. He is also survived by a large number of extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by a cousin, Clay Elsworth Long. Visitation is planned for Friday, May 10th from 2:00pm- 8:00pm, and the funeral service will be held Saturday, May 11th at 10:00am; both at the Zillah Brethren Church, (203 W. Centennial Drive, Zillah, WA). To leave encouragement for the family please visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/bentonbrovont Arrangements in care of Valley Hills Funeral Home, Zillah. Condolences can also be sent to the family at www.valleyhillsfh.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Benton Brovont, please visit our flower store.