Elsie Marie Power, 73

Elsie Marie Power, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Dec. 15, 2023, surrounded by and in the comfort of her family. She was born Dec. 19, 1949, in Rhode Island and over the course of her life lived in New Mexico but finally settled in the mountains of Kellogg, Idaho.

Elsie’s journey through life was marked by a love for learning, leading her to various roles and positions. She was a dedicated telephone operator, secretary, librarian, jury commissioner and finally RV campground host at Silverwood. She was a trailblazer and became one of the first women to hold a leadership position in the Boy Scouts of America. She was a woman of many talents and accomplishments and always touched the lives of those around her with her warm heart and unwavering strength.

Outside of her professional life, Elsie found joy in her family and her many interests. She met the love of her life, Ernie Power, at a restaurant where she worked as a server. The story we were told is she would pay her friends to wait at his table rather than having to deal with him herself. Thankfully he persisted and they were married Aug. 15, 1970, creating a union that would stand the test of time and lasted over 50 years.

Elsie was a loving and strong-willed woman, known for her intelligence and her ability to embrace life fully. Her interests were diverse, ranging from a love of computers and gaming to a deep connection with horses and the soothing embrace of the ocean. Although she never got to achieve her dream of being a veterinarian, her love of animals and her way of relating to them was special and unique. Gardening was one of her most cherished pastimes and she passed that knowledge down to her children and grandchildren.

Active in her community, Elsie was a devoted member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pinehurst. Her faith was strong, and it led to cultivating a strong faith relationship with her children as well.

Elsie leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience. She is survived by her brother, Hart Allex; her devoted husband, Ernie Power; her children, Lynette Lowry, Paul (Heather) Power and Ernie (Valerie) Power; cherished grandchildren, Olivia Power, Ernie Power, Oliver Power, Desmond Lowry, Emily Lowry, Cameron (Colleen) Edgerton and Connor Edgerton; and great-grandchildren Noah Edgerton and Damon Edgerton.

Elsie was preceded in death by her father, Amadase Allex; mother Ruthanita Allex; brother Martin Allex; and sister Darlene Hoerster.

A memorial service to celebrate Elsie’s life will be held Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Shoshone Funeral Services, 106 S. Main St., Kellogg, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your local library and local humane society in her memory.

As we bid farewell to Elsie, let us remember her wisdom, her laughter, and the love she shared with each of us. The family appreciates the support and condolences offered during this difficult time.

Memories of Elsie and messages of condolence may be shared with her family online at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is honored to assist the Power family with arrangements.