Benjamin Jay Ellsworth, 40

Benjamin Jay Ellsworth was born May 25, 1982, to Ronald and Peggy (Grundmeier) Ellsworth in Harlan, Iowa.  He attended school in Harlan and graduated from Harlan Community High School with the class of 2001.  
After high school he studied at ITT Tech, graduating in 2003 with a degree in Information Technology. He worked in information technology and customer support for several companies including Century Link, Myrtue Memorial Hospital, Gallup, Amazon and USAA.  Ben continually received praise from clients for his patience and wit – even if his methods were a little off-script and unconventional.
Away from work Ben loved to write poetry, read and discuss philosophy, and watch football – particularly the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Above all Ben enjoyed hanging out and having conversations with his friends and family, including an online community that he talked with daily.  
Ben passed away December 23, 2022 in his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the age of 40. He is preceded in death by his father Ronald Ellsworth.  Ben is survived by his mother Peggy, brother Damon (Tammy Nelson) Ellsworth of Harlan; sister Beth Ellsworth of Waldoboro, Maine; brother Chad (Collen) of Omaha, NE; brother Daniel (Melissa) Ellsworth of Erie, CO; brother Darrin (Amy) Ellsworth of Ely, IA; seven nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.
The family will have a private ceremony for Ben in his hometown of Harlan, followed by a Celebration of Life on January 28th, 2023 from 1-3 at the American Legion Building, 702 Chatburn Ave in Harlan.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Baldrick’s Foundation which is a charity for childhood cancer that Ben supported for many years.