Elsie Stahl Mykrantz, 97, passed away April 12, 2026, at Burbank Parke Care Center following a period of declining health. Elsie was born June 14, 1928, in Newcomerstown, Ohio to Teodor and Wilhemina (Kizler) Stahl. She graduated from Newcomerstown High School in 1946 as Valedictorian and attended Wittenburg College but transferred to The Ohio State University, graduating in 1949 with a degree in Home Economics Education. While at Ohio State, she was a member of Omicron Nu and Phi Upsilon Omicron professional honoraries.
Ohio State brought Mom to Wayne County in 1950 when she was hired as the Home Economics agent with OSU Extension. She was introduced to Thomas Mykrantz at the Wayne County Fair and they married in 1952. They made their home and raised their daughters along with Registered Jersey cattle on the family farm west of Wooster. He died in 2017.
She left OSU Extension following her marriage but continued her career as an educator through her work as a Home Economist for the Ohio Power Company and returned to the classroom teaching Home Economics to students at Wooster High School and Edgewood Middle School. She retired from teaching in 1986. Following her retirement, she began working at JoAnn Fabrics in Wooster. She always enjoyed meeting up with former students and seeing what they were working on. She maintained her connection to 4-H and Ohio State through participating in 4-H project evaluation each summer.
While she was evaluating clothing construction, she created the “Construction Award” which recognized the clothing project that was the most outstanding that year. The award, of good quality sewing shears, was given anonymously and even her family didn’t know for many years that she was the award sponsor.
She was a member of Farm Bureau, a Charter Member of the Northwest 19 Farm Council, the Ohio Jersey Breeders Association and Oak Chapel United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Susanna Circle. She was a founding member of the Wayne County Home Economics Association, now known as the Association of Family and Consumer Scientists. She volunteered at People-to-People Ministries and Habitat for Humanity for several years.
Mom was a proud alumnus of The Ohio State University. She was even more proud that her daughters and grandchildren followed her to Ohio State to study for at least one of their degrees. She enjoyed nothing more than a day returning to campus and visiting with her grandchildren while they were in school.
She was preceded in death by an infant son, Ted, her husband Tom, parents, sister Helen Buck and her husband Dr. Donald Buck, brother-in-law Harry Mykrantz, his wife Ann and nephews Scott Mykrantz, Karl Buck and Fritz Buck. She is survived by daughters Julie Finney (Dr. Malcolm) of Marshallville, Susan Mykrantz of Wooster, Jane Fruth (Robert) of Tiffin, grandchildren Ben Finney (Sheena), Elizabeth Gardner (Brandon), Dr. Sarah Finney (Thomas Tussey), John (Samantha) Fruth, Paul Fruth, Anne Fruth, four great grandchildren and her beloved dog, Sophie.
Our family wishes to thank the caregivers at Burbank Park Care Center and Nivalis Hospice for the loving care they provided to Mom over the past couple of years.
A Service of Remembrance will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Oak Chapel United Methodist Church, 4203 W. Old Lincoln Way, Wooster with Pastor John Finn officiating. Private inurnment will be in Warner Pioneer Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Friends will be received on Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 2:00-4:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations to People-to-People Ministries, 454 East Bowman Street, Wooster, Ohio 44691 or the Staff Education Fund at Burbank Parke Care Center, 14976 Burbank Road, Burbank, Ohio 44214.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Elsie was a lovely lady and always willing to help you.
Mrs. Mykrantz taught me home ec at Edgewood in 1986. I remember her teaching me how to make pillows and I stuffed it too tight and she just laughed and laughed! She also worked with my mom, who was a cafeteria lady at Edgewood at the same time. My mom recently passed away as well so I know all too well how we feel with our mothers moving on. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
-Amber Waggoner Danhauser
Mrs. Mykrantz taught my home economics class in junior high school in 1984. I made a shirt with her guidance and the fabric had lines. I matched the lines perfectly from front to back and she told my parents she never had a student sew a connection like that before. I love to sew and owe that all to her. I just said her name yesterday to the universe while I was sewing a quilt for my sister. RIP Mrs. Mykrantz, You had a great impact on my life. Job well done!
I knew Ellen from best from her employment at JoAnn Fabrics.Ellen was a sweet lady and her knowledge of sewing was superb. She helped many new sewers with their projects often when they went in the store,telling them to keep at it and to not give up! Rest in Peace Ellen 🙏🏻✝️
Mrs. Mykrantz was a wonderful teacher who encouraged her students. I joined 4-H to sew and then in her classes I excelled. I also majored in Home Economics in college.
May her daughters and family be comforted knowing their Mother was well thought of. Deepest sympathies to you all.
She was my HomeEc teacher at Edgewood. So very kind. I learned a lot from her and still use many of the sewing techniques I learned.
So sorry for your loss!
I really enjoyed the classes she taught.
She always smiled and was a great listener.
Prayers to you all
Tammy Hageman Taylor
I remember her from my home economics class. Boy she really lived a good long life.
Mrs. Mykrantz was the best home economics teacher! Not just that but she spoke to the students like we mattered and listened when we needed that. She made an impact on all of her students. Wonderful teacher and human being.
I always enjoyed talking with her at JoAnns. She inspired me to work there too. Thinking of Julie and Susan and the rest of their family.
I had her as my teacher at Bowman Junior High. She made me better in sewing and cooking than any other teacher. She was kind, encouraging and so nice. Rest well Mrs. Mykrantz, you were amazing.
Julie, Susan and Jane,
My deepest sympathy to you and your families.
I also had her as a home ec teacher, I had a fun time in her class. But I remember her more from the fair and the jersey picnics.
Prayers,
Beth Ann Zimmerman and family
I was one of two boys in Mrs. Mykrantz’s home ec class in 1979. She was a kind and patient classroom presence, and I learned new things about cooking and child development. Her obituary tells of a life well lived. Condolences to her family.
Julie, Susan, and Jane, my sincere sympathy for the loss of your wonderful mother. Even her excellent teaching skills could not turn me into a success at sewing, but I sure admired her talent and the multi talents of her kids! I lovedmy wonderful visits at your family home and farm. Your mom sure will be missed. 💝💝
Elsie was a warm and loving woman who lived a life of grace. My sincere condolences to the entire family. I will miss her welcoming smile. We all should strive to live a life like hers.
To the Great Family of Elsie and Tom MyKrantz:
I wish my extreme condolences and Life of God to All of you!!
Tom was a client of my father, Dr Appleman, DVM (Veterinarian) and Elsie and my parents were
active in the Republican Party there in Wooster.
Elsie always was a happpy person when I was with Dad on Farm Calls to their place.!! The Mykrantz
couple (Elsie & Tom) were great friends with Dad & Barbara, my Mom, & Me, Jim.
Read Ecclesiastic 3:1-3 and verses 1-14 in Ch 3.
A wonderful teacher who was not only patient and kind but a role model of how to treat others. My condolences to her family at this sad time.
I’m so sorry to hear of Elsie’s passing. I have fond memories of her. Sending love and my deepest condolences to all the Mykrantz family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Mrs. MyKranz was a lovely lady and an excellent teacher! I made my first dress and cherry crumb pie in her home economics class! She was always so caring, cheerful, and patient with us! A Wonderful woman and a life well lived!
I’m sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a strong lady with great faith.
She was my teacher as well many years ago. I loved being in her class. She taught me so many things that I still use today. I’m so sorry. Prayers to you.
I loved the way she made me feel like I could learn to do anything. She was kind. Much love
Julie and family, our sympathy on the loss of your Mom. I admired her home ec, teaching, and people skills in class. Mom, Sandy Tegtmeier Behlau remembers her and sends her prayers as well.
She was a wonderful Home Economics teacher. Thank you for all you thought us.
I fondly remember Mrs Mykrantz both as a teacher and from all the help she gave me as a customer at Jo Ann Fabrics. My youngest son took home economics and thanks to her he never has relied on fast food but has always cooked nutritious food and eats a healthy diet, exercises and is in great shape.
She was a lovely lady.
Julie, Susan, and Jane, please except my condolences. May you find comfort ,as you share memories of your mom, with friends and family.
My sincere condolences to Elsie’s family and many prayers during this sad time. She was a wonderful person as we worked side by side many hours at Joann’s. Loved hearing all the adventures of their travels but not realizing until after she retired many of those travels involved the Jersey cow org. God Bless you all and R.I.P. Elsie
Susan, Julie, Jane and family, Our sincere condolences to you and your families. Elsie was a lovely lady!
Keeping you all in our prayers.
Russ & Cheryl King and Rosalie Noyes
To Elsie’s Family and Friends, Our deepest sympathies go out to you. May God, and the many good memories, sustain you; now and also in the future.. Our thoughts and prayers are for you and your families. Sincere condolences from Art Beerys, Smithville, Ohio