Elissa Renee Willuweit 35, Spearfish, passed away on January 11, 2015 at her home.

Elissa was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 1979. From the minute she was born her smile made everyone love her.

As she grew her sense of humor and dry wit endeared her to all. From the time she started school she started taking care of others, friends, babies, puppies, kittens anything she could mother. The birth of her daughters, were the joy of her life; the three of them were the Three Musketeers. They were always doing things together, singing with the radio, bike riding, hiking. It was them against the world and no one could stop them. She would do without so her girls could have every opportunity, always encouraging them to try new things and teaching them to never be afraid.

Returning to BHSU after 10 years with Premier Bank, she followed her passion and finished her degree in Elementary Education. Before finishing her schooling, she received her diagnosis of Breast Cancer. In spite of chemo and radiation treatments she worked hard and received her degree. The proudest moment of her life was walking across the stage to receive her diploma while the entire graduating class stood and applauded.

She is survived by her parents, Lori and Bart Willuweit; brother, Jacob Willuweit, daughters, Madison and Kelsie Varner; aunts, Dixie Pengra, Jodi Melby, Kelly Merchen; uncle, Bill Hofer and numerous loving cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, William and Mavis Willuweit and Bruce and Patricia Hofer ; uncles, Ross, Mark and William Willuweit; cousins, Adam Willuweit and Amy Pengra and nephew, Adam Willuweit.

Services will be at 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 15, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Spearfish. In lieu of flowers, a Educational Fund has been established for her daughters.