Isabella Ruth Gingrich

It is with profound sadness that we announce the tragic loss of Isabella Ruth Gingrich on October 4, 2026, in a plane crash alongside her father, Aaron Gingrich.

Known to all who loved her as Bella, she was born on December 29, 2022, and was just shy of her fourth birthday. Though her time with us was far too short, Bella filled every day with laughter, curiosity, and love. Her family is still struggling to comprehend a world without her.

Bella is survived by her devoted mother, Lauren Willcox, who loved her beyond measure; her maternal grandparents, Vicky and Charles Willcox and Dana Jackson; her aunt and uncle, Brooke and Erik Solberg; and her cousins, Beckett and Russell Solberg. She is also survived by her paternal grandparents, Tina and Kevin Gingrich; her aunt and uncles, Sara and Ryan Cooper, Nathanael and Bindu Gingrich, and Christian Gingrich; and her cousins, Eli, Isaac, and Micah Cooper, and Malachi Gingrich.

Bella was pure sunshine. She greeted the world with wonder, enthusiasm, and a smile that seemed to light up every room she entered. Her expressive eyes were always full of curiosity, mischief, and delight, and it never took much to make her giggle.

She loved dancing, singing, riding her bike, baking with her mom, building imaginative creations with her magnet tiles, and curling up for bedtime stories. She could spend hours creating art, playing make-believe with her dolls, exploring playgrounds and the outdoors, and caring for the animals she adored. Pink was her favorite color, Frozen and Bluey were on constant rotation, and she delighted in pretending to be Anna or Elsa from Frozen as she set off on countless adventures of her own making.

Bella approached life fearlessly. She especially loved swimming and was known for confidently jumping into the water without hesitation, trusting that fun awaited on the other side. That same adventurous spirit carried her around the world. Though she was only three and a half years old, Bella traveled to Mexico, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, Norway, Puerto Rico, and many places throughout the United States. Wherever she went, she left behind cherished memories with those who knew her. She was deeply loved by family across the country and around the world.

As she grew, Bella revealed more of the thoughtful, silly, brave, affectionate, and endlessly kind person she was becoming. She never missed an opportunity to offer a hug, say “I love you,” or make someone smile. Her life was brief but beautiful, and the love she shared will continue to ripple through the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

So much will be missed: her tiny hand reaching for yours, her infectious giggles, her proud grin after accomplishing something new, her sense of wonder, and the warmth she brought to every gathering. While her family wishes they could have watched her grow for many more years, they are forever grateful for the immeasurable joy she brought during the time they had together.

Bella's light will never be forgotten.

We’ll gather for a family-friendly celebration filled with love, color, and togetherness as we honor the joy Bella brought into the world. Please reach out to Lauren’s family and friends for details.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an organization supporting animals, children, or outdoor spaces, causes that reflected Bella's gentle heart and love for the world around her.