Sister Joseph Ellen Divel died January 22, 2009, at Mount Joseph Senior Community in Concordia, KS. She was 78 years old and was in her 50 ^th year as a Sister of St. Joseph. She was born in Milton, PA on July 25, 1930 to Charles and Marian Alice Elwell, the third of six children, and was baptized Bernadine Theresa. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, Concordia, KS. on September 8, 1958. On March 19, 1959, Bernadine received the habit of the Sisters of St. Joseph and was given the name Sister Joseph Ellen. She pronounced first vows on March 19, 1960 and final vows on March 19, 1963.

Sister Joseph Ellen's ministry was that of homemaker, certified nurse aide, cook and driver at convents staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph in Salina and Concordia, KS and Grand Island, NE. In 2003, Sister Joseph Ellen retired to the Motherhouse and then moved to Mt. Joseph Senior Village in 2005.

Sister Joseph Ellen was preceded in death by her parents and one sister. She is survived by three brothers, Joseph Divel, Charles Divel, John Divel and one sister, Peggy Woolsey. A Bible Vigil Service will be (was) held Friday, January 23, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Nazareth Motherhouse Chapel with Sister Marcia Allen as the eulogist. The Mass of Christian Burial will be (was) Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel Rev. Barry Brinkman presiding. The burial will be in the Nazareth Motherhouse Cemetery. Chaput-Buoy Mortuary, 325 W. 6 ^th St., Concordia, KS is in charge of arrangements. Memorials for Sister Joseph Ellen Divel may be given to the Sisters of St. Joseph Health Care/ Retirement Fund or the Apostolic Works of the Sisters; P.O Box 279, Concordia, KS 66901.