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.