Jo Ellen Sell

Jo Ellen Sell, born March 6, 1937, near Grove, Oklahoma to Louis and Ellen Barnes passed away on October 28, 2023.  Following her father’s death, she and her mother moved to Enid, Oklahoma where she attended Enid High School.  After graduation, Jo Ellen attended Phillips University where she was majoring in journalism when she met Curtis Sell.   They married in Phillips’ campus chapel and began their adventures ultimately settling in Prairie Village, Kansas.  Jo Ellen and Curtis joined the family business, Sell Electric Company, providing lighting, electrical service, and design for much of NE Johnson County.  Jo Ellen retired to care for Curtis when he was diagnosed with brain cancer. She lovingly cared and advocated for Curtis during his illness of more than 17 years.   

Jo Ellen was fiercely independent, did it “her way” and kept her sense of humor until the end of her life.  She loved and was loved by her family and friends. She will be deeply missed.   Jo Ellen joined her beloved Curtis, her parents, Louis and Ellen Barnes, her sister and brother-in-law, Helen “Honey” and Roy Kelley, and her nephew Kevin Kelley.   

Jo is survived by her brother-in-law, Bill Sell; her sister-in-law, Linda McConwell (Ed); her nieces and nephews:  Shawn Kelley (Kim), Rita Kelley, Laura McConwell (Jeff Chalk),   Jennifer Sell (David Allison),  Ed McConwell (Amy), Cliff Sell (Yvonne Allison), Catherine Moore (David) and Curtis Sell; and great-nieces and nephews: Hannah Alvarez, Mark Wayda, Elizabeth Wayda, Leah Kelley, Will McConwell, Quinn Allison, Claire Moore, Henry Allison, Emily McConwell, Ellen Moore, Mia Sell, Rachel Moore, Sarah McConwell,  Audrey Moore, and Conrad Allison.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 2-4 p.m.  at Milburn Country Club.  We are ever so grateful for the loving care provided to Jo Ellen by the ICU medical team at KU Medical Center and by the team at KC Hospice House.   In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to KC Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri  64145, kchospice.org.