EUSTIS - Chelsea Lilah Rookstool, 10, of Eustis died July 25, 2004, at Cozad Community Hospital in Cozad after a courageous battle with Alstrom Syndrome.

She was born Dec. 12, 1993, in Grand Island to Theron and Wilda Binegar Rookstool. She had completed the fourth grade. At a young age, she was diagnosed with the rare genetic disease, Alstrom Syndrome. Even though she had a rare disease she lived life to the fullest and was her family's inspiration. In March of this year Chelsea was awarded the "Coolest Wheels Award" at the Alstrom Syndrome reunion. Chelsea also had a love of animals. All animals. She was even saving her money to buy cages so that she could have her own "big cats" when she grew up. If you ever had a question about animals she was the one to ask. She was able to spend her 10th birthday in Florida at Give The Kids The World. While there she was so excited to see many of the animals she adored. During Wurstag Days parade in Eustis, she rode a horse and told everyone that she 'had the time of her life." She loved school and going shopping.

Survivors include her parents, Theron and Wilda Rookstool of Eustis; brothers, Justin Lynn Rookstool and Joshua Lewes Rookstool, both of Eustis; sister, Sarah Rae Rookstool of Eustis; grandparents, Larry and Pat Rookstool of Hershey, Tom and Creta Waltemath of Johnston Lake, Karren Binegar of North Platte, and William Binegar of North Platte; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Jordan "Jordie" Rookstool in May 9, 2003.

Memorials are suggested to the Rookstool family.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington with the Rev. Michael Gruhn officiating. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. at the Farnam Cemetery in Farnam.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.

The North Platte Telegraph, July 27, 2004.