Obituaries
Elsie Mearkle, 82
August 03, 2025
Elsie Mearkle, 82, of Lancaster, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Irvin and Dorothy (Kuhn) Hartman. She was also the loving wife of Larry Mearkle for over 66 years.
Elsie spent 30 years as a teacher’s assistant in Lancaster up until her retirement. Outside of her work, she enjoyed spending time with her family, taking great pride in raising her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Known as “Mimi” by those that loved her, she deeply cared for her family and always placed their happiness and well-being first. She was also quite the seamstress, challenging herself to new projects after seeing them at craft shows. Whether it was making homemade heating pads, basket-weaving, or crocheting hats for infants at LGH, if there was a craft project Elsie set her mind to, she was determined to see it through. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering support touched everyone she knew.
Elsie will be lovingly remembered by her husband Larry; daughters Brenda (Jeffrey) Troop, Lisa Mearkle, and Wendy (Jon) Thorbahn; grandchildren Jessica (Steve) Simmons, Emily (Christopher) Torres, Hollis Thorbahn, and Jonathan (Amanda) Thorbahn; and great-grandchildren Adelyn, Elijah, Dominic, Myles, LJ, Jhett, and baby girl Thorbahn, who is on the way.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
August 28, 2025
Dear Btenda and family,
I think of Elsie everytime I sit down to sew. She and I had such good times when we were both working at King. I was “Lucy” and she was “Ethel” . I so enjoyed her company especially when we’d go to the craft fairs. Elsie always made me smile. She had a big, beautiful and generous heart that will be missed. Barb Schmid
August 27, 2025
ELSIE, sweetness upon sweetness. Brenda, Wendy and Lisa, Gary and I loved your Mother. Her warm smile always greeted us every Sunday morning. We are very sorry to hear of her passing. No longer attending FUMC, we miss seeing you and your families very much. God bless and be with you and and your growing family. And may God’s COMFORT and PEACE abide with you. WE pray for you and your Father, that you may feel God’s presence with you each and every day. Elsie will always be missed.
Be blessed! love and hugs,
Gary and Suzie Johnson xoxoxo
August 26, 2025
Dear Brenda and family.
My girls and I loved your mom. Pumpkin bread every birthday for years, even after I moved to Wheatland. She was a true friend and a great lady. Praying for Larry and the family. Cheryl Abney Williams
August 25, 2025
Elsie was a delight! We worked together at M.L. King, Jr. Elementary School. It was very appropriate that Elsie would work at the school so named. She respected and loved all of our students, regardless of any external labels. In addition, she “ran” the Sun Restaurant orders and payments for staff lunches, with great efficiency and accuracy. We enjoyed the hospitality of her yard for a variety of events and “classes”. Her passionate commitment to all the generations of her family, was palpable. May her goodness be of lasting comfort…
Nancy Val K.
August 25, 2025
Dear Brenda,
Your mom was part of the fabric that made King School. I still have holiday pins that she used to make and remember well how much she loved making crafts. The students and teachers alike loved her for her sense of humor and genuine caring of everyone. She is etched in the mind of many, many King School faculty, staff and students. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sue Ann Yuska
August 25, 2025
Dear Brenda and Family,
I am so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. Her great sense of humor, fun attitude, and willingness to always help made it wonderful to work with her at King. She took great pride in you, your sisters, and your children. My deepest sympathy,
Marjorie Myers
August 20, 2025
Brenda and family, I”m keeping you in my thoughts. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Your mom was an amazing person. Ivy Santiago
August 09, 2025
Love and prayers for the Mearkle family. Elsie was a sweet neighbor and friend. She always greeted everyone with a smile and always busy with her grandchildren and crafts that she was able to do while caring for her grandchildren. She will be missed. Shirley And Jim Reindollar
August 07, 2025
Dear Brenda and family, my prayers are with you; I pray that God fills you with peace, strength and courage. Rest In Peace Elsie, Jesus is holding you now. Joyce Ducati
August 07, 2025
Sending prayers and hugs to all of you! Elsie will be missed; great lady! May the Lord surround you all with His peace and love. Mary Whitlatch
