Sister Mary Ellen Backes, one of 12 Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph of Maple Mount, Kentucky, is celebrating her 60th anniversary of religious profession in 2025.

The Minot native was born Jeanne Ellen Backes to the late Joe and Ellen Backes. Sister Mary Ellen was an Ursuline Sister of Belleville, Illinois, prior to its 2005 merger with Mount Saint Joseph. She served as a teacher and director of religious education in Illinois and general superior of the Ursulines of Belleville from 1989-95. Since 1995 she has served as pastoral associate for St. Joseph Parish, Springfield, Illinois.

Those wishing to send congratulations to Sister Mary Ellen may address them to 1345 North 6th St., Springfield, IL 62702.