Elsie C. Banton, age 83, of Madison, OH passed away April 19, 2016 at The Lantern of Madison. She was born October 4, 1932 in Olean, N.Y. to Elton and Rose Critchlow. She married Theodore H. Banton on April 19, 1958. Elsie was a 1949 graduate of Olean High School and a graduate of N.Y. State College for Teachers in Albany with a B.A. degree. She took graduate courses at St. Bonaventure University. She taught mathematics in Ellicottville, Little Valley, Pine Valley in South Dayton and for 22 years at Olean High School. Elsie was Central Treasurer for Student Activities at Olean High for many years.
After retiring in June 1990, Elsie’s love of travel was reflected by her trips to the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Kenya, Japan, China, Thailand, Singapore, and many countries in Europe.
Her memberships included Christ United Methodist Church, N.Y. State Retired Teachers, and Tyler Chapter Order of the Eastern Star where she served as Matron and Secretary for several years. She also held N.Y. State Grand Offices and Cattaraugus County District Offices in the Order of the Eastern Star. She volunteered for Interfaith Caregivers and St. Bonaventure University. She is survived by her two daughters, Edith (Jon) Mulberg of Saratoga, CA and Kathryn (Tom) Mitchell of Concord Township, OH; three grandchildren, Erin, Ethan, and Ellen Mulberg; sister, Ruth (Ivan) Cady; brother, Elton (Virginia) Critchlow; nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband (December 23, 1984), parents and sister, Edith Weatherbee. Memorial Services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at The Lantern of Madison, 2041 Hubbard Road, Madison, OH and at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 13, 2016 at Christ United Methodist Church, 633 Linwood Avenue, Olean, N.Y. Final Resting Place will be Little Valley Rural Cemetery in New York. Contributions may be made in Elsie’s name to American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or Christ United Methodist Church, 633 Linwood Avenue, Olean, N.Y. 14760. The family is being assisted by The Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street, Madison, OH. Friends may leave condolences online at www.behmfuneral.com