Tabitha Ellifritz

November 14, 2024

On November 14th 2024 Tabitha Ellifritz passed away peacefully in her home.
Surrounded by her family and friends, she fearlessly went to be with her mother, and favorite dog, Sebby.
Through the gift of Hospice, she was able to end her battle to simply exist, and instead spend her last days enjoying those she loved.
Tabitha was born in Winnemucca to Don and Roz Ellifritz. A short while later she was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.
Throughout her youth, she was able to live a mostly normal life. She participated in cheerleading and was known for her infectious laugh, and ever positive demeaner.
She excelled in academics, both in her primary school years, and at UNR. In 2010 she earned her Civil Engineering degree. After earning her degree, her health began to fail, and she was eventually listed for a double lung transplant.
The community of Winnemucca, and the surrounding areas, embraced her, and took part in a number of fundraisers that eventually helped pay for the procedure.
“Time for Tabitha” was a crab feed held at the Winnemucca convention center, and every year, the support only grew. In January of 2014 Tabitha received her new lungs.
She made the most of her new lungs. She went on to have a very successful professional career. She traveled, she explored as many new foods as she could, she ran 5k’s, and advocated for organ donation.
In 2017, thirteen years to the day they started dating, she and Cory Hawkins finally tied the knot. In 2021 she was diagnosed with end stage renal disease.
She began dialysis and got listed for a kidney transplant. As she waited for an organ to become available, she was offered a kidney from her lifelong friend, Jake Steinman.
They were a direct match. However, her health had failed to a point where she was not able to accept an organ.
In spring of 2023 she contracted Covid, from that point on, was constantly battling hospitalizations. After one last Care Flight to UCSF, it was determined that the probability of any recovery was unlikely.
Upon her arrival home, she was immediately greeted by folks that would be there for her, through her final hour. Tabitha shared memories and laughs for two unforgettable days.
After that she went to sleep and passed. Tabitha will always be remembered for her ability to love, her love of life, and her inspiring determination.
Tabitha had a very short and difficult story, but it was not unfulfilled. Her life was full of love and support.
In her fight she was never alone. Her family, friends, and community were unwavering. She tried to pass that support on to others.
Her advocacy for organ donation, cystic fibrosis research, animal rescue and community outreach, were her way of passing along support to others, that weren’t as blessed as her.
Tabitha was preceded in death by her mother, Roz Ellifritz and dog, Sebby. She is survived by her father, Don Ellifritz, sister, Amy Killion, sister, Karrie Ellifritz, husband, Cory Hawkins and dog, Gus.
A celebration for Tabitha will be held later in the spring.