Elyssa Mae Alvarez

Elyssa Mae Alvarez, 85, of Weiser, Idaho, passed away on Feb. 1, 2025. 

 Elyssa was born on Nov. 29, 1939, to Donald and Rhubie McClaflin in Burley, Idaho. She graduated from Burley High School in 1958. 

 Elyssa married Albert Alvarez of Burley in 1959 and soon moved to Weiser, Idaho. They raised two children, Michalene and Scott.

 Elyssa worked at the Mountain Bell Telephone Company as a telephone operator right after moving to Weiser, where she made long lasting friendships. 

 In 1967, she attended Weiser Beauty College and received her Cosmetician License in 1969. Her first job as a beautician was in the Washington Hotel at Powder Puff Salon. 

 Elyssa loved volunteering and helping, whether it was at church, with her family, or in the community. She also sang with a Christmas Choir in Cambridge for a few years. In the 1980s, she volunteered at the Annex Grade School. She loved the kids.

 Through the years, she would stop in and visit the residents of what is now called Weiser Care of Cascadia. Sometimes she would stop by to visit friends and family, but other times she would stop by because she knew people needed a visitor. Her beloved husband became a resident there at the onset of dementia and she visited him every day. After his passing in July of 2024, Elyssa continued to visit the care center and helped with bingo and other activities. She was there every Sunday for the church service, making sure everyone that wanted to attend could get there on time.

 Her passion in life was to tell everyone about the love of Jesus Christ. She greatly looked forward to being in heaven with Jesus, her Savior, and all of her loved ones. 

 Elyssa is survived by her sisters Lolita Jensen and Lynda Smith, and brother-in-law Joe Smith, her children Michalene McMurray and son-in-law Patrick McMurray, Scott Alvarez and daughter-in-law Terrie Alvarez, grandchildren Meleah, Andrew, and Ashley McMurray, Joshua McCleary, and Justin and Jarin Alvarez.

 To all that knew her – friends and family – she loved you all. And she is greatly missed.

 A Memorial Service will be held at Weiser Christian Church, 1299 E. 2nd St., Weiser, Idaho, on Saturday, May 3 at 11 a.m. All are welcome. Lunch will be provided afterwards.