Obituary
Ellen Marie Sewell entered into the glorious presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 7th, 2026, at the age of 86. A woman of unwavering faith, she dedicated her life to serving others.
Born on October 26th, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri, Ellen was the daughter of the late Truman and Hazel Mansell. She graduated from East High School in 1957. During high school, she was an active member of the Eulexia Literary Club and Kansas City Youth for Christ. Upon graduation, she briefly attended the Kansas City Bible College, now known as Calvary University.
For nearly 42 years, she was the beloved wife and steadfast partner of Leo Sewell, a U.S. Navy veteran. Together, they built a life rooted in honor, duty, and respect, navigating the unique journeys of military life hand-in-hand. They enjoyed traveling the country and serving at various military bases in Missouri, California, New Jersey, and Louisiana.
Ellen poured her energy into her community and church. She worked in various capacities including teaching Sunday School, acting as a Vacation Bible School (VBS) director, and serving as a monitor/teaching assistant at the Temple Christian School in Slidell, Louisiana. Before her retirement in October 2004, she worked as a receptionist at the Nazarene Publishing House, a position she thoroughly enjoyed.
Above all, her entire life was a testament to her deep faith, anchored firmly in the promise of Scripture. Her favorite truth was beautifully captured in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
She is survived by her loving children, Jeffrey (aka Monty) Sewell and Mark Sewell; daughter-in-law Teri Sewell; granddaughter, Cierra Sewell; brothers George (Mickie) Mansell and Norman Mansell; sisters-in-law Diane (Rocky) Magers, Cindy Hayde, and Julie Fry; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, parents, father-in-law Leo Sewell, mother-in-law Juanita Sewell, and sisters-in-law Della Mansell and Sandra (aka Sandy) Munkers.
A celebration of life will be held on June 16th at 11:00 a.m. at the Lee’s Summit Bible Church, 1200 NE Colbern Road, Lee’s Summit, MO, 64086. A visitation will precede the service starting at 10:00 a.m. In accordance with her wishes, the interment will be a private affair.
The family kindly requests donations be made in Ellen’s memory to the Lee’s Summit Bible Church, an organization close to her heart.
Condolences
Visitation
Lee's Summit, MO 64086
Services
Lee's Summit, MO 64086
Dear Mark,
Sending my sincerest condolences to you and your family and holding you all in thought and prayer during this difficult time of transition.
In Harmony,
Jennifer Combs
Dear Sewell Family,
Your mother was a jewel and a valued member of Lee’s Summit Bible Church. She always reflected a love for the Lord and a genuinely tender spirit. So many have already commented that she was such a sweet lady and how much she will be missed. You are all in our prayers that God would minister His “peace that surpasses understanding” (Philippians 4:7) in the days and weeks to come. God bless you all.
In Christ
Pastor Jim King
& The Members Of Lee’s Summit Bible Church
Ellen was one of the sweetest ladies and I enjoyed the time I got to spend with her. I will miss her so very much but find comfort in knowing that she is with our Lord.
To the Sewell Family! We are so sorry for your loss! When my husband and I started LS Bible Church about 5 years ago Ellen welcomed us with open arms and has been such a sweet kind friend to me ever since! She always had a BIG smile…going to miss her but I Know she will be waiting for me one of these days ! Praying 🙏 for all of you during this time!! Sami and Eunice Willis
Ellen lived her life devoted to God,family and community. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
I was so sad to hear the news of ELLEN leaving our world. I know she thought so much of her family and I am thankful that I got to spend some time with her last week. She will be sadly missed in our community. She was one of the sweetest women I have ever known. Monty if you need anything, please let me know. You get to inherit my paintings. Much love.
Sewell Family, ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.’ Ellen was a sweet, kindhearted jewel, with a beautiful smile and engaging personality. She was always a pleasure to talk with. I will truly miss her!
Marcelean Kennedy
Wilshire Hills II Resident
Ellen was one of the sweetest persons I know. She was gracious and showed her love for the Lord in all that she did. I will miss her very much. I pray that God will comfort her family knowing she has gone home to be with the Lord and is in his loving arms!
My deepest condolences to you and your loved ones, and prayers for peace and comfort.
Very sorry for your loss.
Miss Ellen will be truly missed at Lee’s Summit Bible Church! For many years she sat in the pew behind our family. Ellen always greeted us with a smile and a hug. And always a compliment for my hats! I remember her always tapping me on the shoulder at some point in the middle of service to whisper something to me. Before a church ladies tea party one year, she gave to my daughter a pearl necklace of hers so Andelynn could be fancy at the tea party, too! Miss Ellen was so very kind. A testament of Christ’s love.
In Christ,
Andy, Krysten, Andelynn, and Gideon Dotson
I’m so sorry to hear of Ellen’s death and will miss her lovely smile and sweet hug every Sunday. Upon my first visit to Lee’s Summit Bible Church, Ellen made me feel welcome and I looked forward to seeing her in faithful attendance each Sunday. She will be missed, but we will meet again in our eternal home.
Monty and Mark,
So sorry for your loss. I have found memories of your mom during her monitor days at TCS. She was so kind and patient with me. I still have the cedar box she gave me as a present for my graduation gift. I hope and pray you will be able to take comfort in your memories of her. Praying for your family during this time.
Ellen and I and our families have been friends since we met over 50 years ago at church in Slidell, Louisiana. We have shared fun times an sad times. So grateful for her friendship through the years. Monty and Mark have provided such loving care for her as well as so many others. Prayers for all of you during this difficult time.
Praying for comfort and peace for the Family during this time of grief.
I am so sorry to hear of Ellen’s passing. She was a Wonderful Lady and Steve and I enjoyed her so much at work. She was such a Positive influence for everyone at the Nazarene Publishing House. She will be truly missed. May the Lord Bless and keep her Family in his care during this difficult time.