Elsie M. Pursel Koch

Elsie M. Pursel Koch, 80, of Linden, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

She was the wife of the late Fred E. Pursel, who passed away in 1983. In 1984, she married her second husband, Grant “Jim” Koch, with whom she shared 27 years of marriage at the time of his passing in 2012.

Born on May 13, 1945 in Elmira, New York, Elsie was the daughter of the late Ray O. and Pauline “Polly” B. (Spencer) Brewer.

She was a 1963 graduate of Bath High School in Bath, NY.

Elsie's working career was multifaceted, having held positions at the Arrow Shirt Factory, as a cashier for Walmart, and at Liberty Mutual Insurance.

Mrs. Koch is survived by her sons, E. Ray Pursel (Michelle) of Fredericksburg, VA and Roy L. Pursel (Lucia) of Linden; granddaughters, Erin, Laura and Catherine Pursel; grandsons, Lyrik and Rhythm Pursel; and sister, Carol Shaffer of York.

In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, James and Duane Brewer; and two sisters, Janet Breauchy and Mary Tyler.

A service to honor the life of Elsie will be held at 6 pm on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Sanders Mortuary, 821 Diamond St., Williamsport, where a visitation will take place from 5 pm until the time of the service.

Interment will be at a later date in Twin Hills Memorial Park, Montoursville.

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