Sylvan Ross

Like sunlight streaming through the trees, Sylvan Ross brought warmth and light wherever he went. His joy for life and the natural world was contagious, and all who knew him were blessed to feel his glow. Every challenge that crossed his path was met with courage, grit, and a fighting heart. Nothing brought out his brightest smiles or most joyful laughter more than being surrounded by his family. His hunger to experience all the adventure that life had to offer was insatiable, and his positivity was inspirational to anyone in his presence. Although the world will never be the same without Sylvan, his spirit lives on—in the laughter we remember, the memories we hold close, and the beauty of the nature he loved so deeply.

It was a crisp, calm, starry night, with a delicate crescent moon casting a gentle, ethereal glow—so fitting for Sylvan’s first night on Earth. After 23 hours of labor, at 10:23 PM on December 23, 2016, under Grand Rapids’ winter sky, he made his entrance into the world. With Christmas lights twinkling across downtown, Butterworth Hospital became the place of his first beautiful cry, and he was lovingly placed in his mother Bayleigh’s arms. Two days later came Christmas—the best one yet—because they were home together for the very first time.

Sylvan was an extraordinary baby—curious and full of life, with big, bright brown eyes that seemed to take in the whole world at once. He was Bayleigh’s first child, and at just 18, she grew into motherhood through every tear, every giggle, and every late-night moment they shared. His colorful personality shined through early, matched by an energy that filled every room. He was quick to learn, mastering new skills with ease, like rolling over and crawling. He filled the house with his long, animated jabbers they’d call his “stories.” From the very start, Sylvan had a love for food. Even as a baby, he reached for whatever the grown-ups were eating. His early favorites—mac and cheese, peanut butter sandwiches, and Ramen—remained lifelong comfort foods that always made him smile.

Before Sylvan turned two, Bayleigh met Eryk Leyva, who quickly became a loving father figure in his life. Sylvan welcomed him with open arms—literally—offering hugs. That grew into a deep bond, calling him “Dada” from then on, a name he cherished all the way to age nine. Together, Bayleigh and Eryk celebrated Sylvan’s second birthday with a party at Chuck E. Cheese, and soon the three of them moved into a home of their own.

The family blossomed further with the arrival of his twin sisters, Harlow and Oakley, in 2021, followed by little Ellie in 2023. Sylvan thrived as the protective big brother, filling their days with laughter through endless games of tag, cheese touch, “the floor is lava,” “grown-ups vs. kids,” freeze dancing, and impromptu exercise sessions. Dance parties in the living room were a favorite, with Sylvan leading the fun and making his sisters feel safe and joyful in his presence—he truly found his greatest happiness there.

Sylvan grew up in a welcoming home on Grand Rapids’ Northeast side, where his love for the outdoors blossomed early. He was always eager to lend a hand to his great-grandparents, Nana and Stoba, who lived across the street. He loved helping with their gardening and soaking in the simple joys of nature alongside them.

He began his school journey at East Oakview Elementary, where his cheerful, talkative spirit made him a standout—bringing just a touch of playful chaos to every classroom. Sylvan’s boundless energy lit up every space he entered. In their free time, the family cherished outings together at favorite spots like Townsend Park, Riverside Park, and Crahen Valley—building memories amid the trees and open skies he adored.

Those who knew Sylvan often heard him speak of his many “souls,” the passions that defined his vibrant heart. His nature soul shone through his deep connection to the outdoors, tied forever to his name, meaning “of the forest.” His chess soul emerged as he taught himself the game from videos, then shared it with others—though he usually won under his clever guidance. Sylvan’s artistic soul sparkled in his drawings and paintings, often created while proudly wearing his beret. His Minecraft soul came alive in the intricate houses he built in the game. With his cat soul, he mastered cat care, doting on his pets—including his chameleon, Anak, who joined him in passing, and his cat, Leon (whom the family still cherishes). A lifelong foodie even at age nine, Sylvan savored popcorn, Cheez-Its, cheese pizza, mac and cheese, s’mores Pop-Tarts with milk (eaten in his very specific way), and LongHorn Steakhouse lobster.

In spring 2024, Sylvan’s health began to falter. After countless doctor visits and emergency room trips, he was diagnosed with DMG—diffuse midline glioma. His brave battle involved infusions, scans, pokes, and treatments, yet he never lost his spark. In November 2024, Make-A-Wish made his dream come true with a trip to Texas for the first-ever Minecraft Experience—five days of pure joy. In May 2025, Sylvan and the family began trips back and forth to Seattle for CAR T-cell infusions. During these trips, the family of six (or sometimes just Bayleigh and Sylvan) had the time of their lives despite the hard moments. In 2025, Give Kids The World took the family to Florida, where he reveled in Disney World, Universal, and especially Super Mario World—creating unforgettable memories.

As family and friends gather to honor Sylvan Ross, we celebrate a boy who infused every day with warmth, joy, and love. A cherished son, brother, nephew, grandson, and great-grandson, his family was his world—and he made theirs brighter everywhere he went. Deeply missed but forever loved, his spirit endures through his sisters and parents, who carry him in every tree, star, snowflake, sunrise, and moonbeam—shining as brilliantly as ever.

Sylvan Everett Ross, a remarkable spirit, aged 9, from Grand Rapids, entered eternal light peacefully on February 20, 2026, cradled in the enduring love of his parents after courageously facing DMG (Diffuse Midline Glioma).

Sylvan, known fondly as “Syl,” “Sylvo,” and “Sylvano,” weaved magic, adventure, and nature’s beauty into every moment spent with him. Boundless love radiated through him constantly, and anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him knows that he was truly one of a kind. Sylvan’s strong spirit stays with all who hold him in their hearts, whispering through sunrises, rustling in the trees, and sparkling in the snow. His energetic love is fierce and timeless.

He is survived by his parents, Bayleigh “Momma” Proper and Eryk “Dada” Leyva; his sisters, Harlow, Oakley, and Ellie; his grandparents, Jessica “Granny” Proper, Paul “Grandpa” Tuinei, and Alfonso “Grandpa” Leyva; his great-grandparents, Rebeca “Nana” Carpentier and Cristobal “Stoba” Narciso, Mary “Annie” Nash, and Mitch “Grandpa” Proper; and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family (including his East Oakview family). His circle of love was ginormous.

Sylvan was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Orisa Frontiera and Sarah Ross.

A Celebration of Life Gathering for Sylvan will be held on Saturday, February 28, at 3 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. Friends are invited to visit with Sylvan's family beginning at 2 PM. We will rejoice in Sylvan’s legacy and carry forward his light through stories, laughter, and the inspiration that he brought to all of his family and friends. You are encouraged to wear Sylvan's favorite nature colors of blue, brown, and green—or any video game-related clothing that Syl would have loved.

#SylvanStrong forever and always.