Elaine Mildred (Pollett) Alva

Elaine Mildred (Pollett) Alva, age 90, born in Salt Lake City, Utah, joined loved ones who passed before her on August 8, 2026 in Salt Lake. She passed on quietly and peacefully in the company of her adoring husband Raul and two daughters Karen and Christine.

She was born to be the big sister of Roger and Larry, daughter of Pearthenia and LeRoy Pollett, who all preceded her in death.

Elaine was a beautiful and stylish woman who lived a full life. She was an entrepreneur in real estate and had her own chair restoration business; she would say that she was grateful that she had hands and feet that could do hard work. She used her many talents in sewing, painting, and ceramics to create multiple award-winning porcelain dolls (the crown jewels of the Alva family). Elaine loved to travel with her family and explored many states and countries; however, her favorite vacation was Disneyland, and she never missed an opportunity to go. She loved music, every early Saturday morning you would wake up to hear her favorite music playing throughout the house. She loved the theater, and any live production performed by her child or grandchild.

She was committed to serving her brothers, aunts, and cousins and always provided a welcoming home if someone was in need. She always said, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” That was her philosophy that led her compassion. She loved to be with her family and hosted reunions and holiday parties. She was a talented cook, baker, and skilled candy maker, (you counted yourself lucky to receive one of her vintage recipe pecan logs for Christmas).

She was an excellent grandmother and adored all the babies in her family. She loved and served her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchild, she hosted parties just for them and they made projects together. When the grandchildren had to leave for home, Elaine always gave them candy, her favorite candy to sneak into their pockets was a handful of Jelly Bellies, to remember her by, as she tearfully watched them leave from her driveway. Elaine was generous, kind, wise, and humble, and lived her life with integrity. She was a true friend and trusted mother. Elaine often talked about her own mother and how she longed to be with her, and it is our greatest hope that she was received in a very happy mother and child reunion.

Elaine is the much-beloved wife, partner, and best friend to Raul for 72 years. Elaine is survived by her husband Raul, their five children Karen, Curtis, Darrell, Wendy, Christine, and many grandchildren extending to four generations. She lived to see her 29th great granddaughter, born just weeks ago. We love her and we will miss her so much.