Ellen Ruth Daniels-Howell, aged 60, died on Wednesday, May 10, in her home and surrounded by her family. She was born September 28, 1956, to Boyd and Mina Daniels. A native of Durham, North Carolina, Ellen held a B.A. degree from DePauw University (Sociology) and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Initially committed to a professional pursuit of support for vulnerable populations, Ellen served as a volunteer trainer at the Lafayette Crisis Center in Lafayette, Indiana, as well as working as a program coordinator at the Tippecanoe Council on Aging in Lafayette, Indiana, the Area Agency on Aging in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and the State of Minnesota Board on Aging in St. Paul, Minnesota. From those initial forays in social work, Ellen eventually transitioned into a role in academia, serving as an instructor in social work at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. For the last ten years, Ellen expanded her focus to the international and interfaith communities, serving as the founding Executive Director of the Global Interfaith Partnership (GIP). In her leadership role at GIP, Ellen both founded and sustained an organization whose purpose continues to be providing support for orphans and vulnerable children in Western Kenya.
In addition to these many professional accomplishments, Ellen was an avid reader and writer. She loved to travel, and had made an effort late in life to hike in multiple National Parks. Not one to leave her professional passions at the end of the work day, Ellen was an active volunteer, spiritual director, and community organizer. In quieter hours, she enjoyed sewing, and always had a small studio where she could retreat to her art. Her second home was the woods of Northern Michigan, and she enjoyed spending time kayaking, practicing photography, and watching the Michigan wildlife.
Ellen is survived by her husband of thirty eight years, Todd Daniels-Howell; her three children: Eric, Caroline, and Callie; and four siblings: Diantha, Lee (Karen), Greg (Beatriz), and Amy (Sandy). She also leaves behind an ornery (but loving) Dachshund named Annie, as well as two beloved cats.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at North United Methodist Church, Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Global Interfaith Partnership (www.GlobalInterfaithPartnership.org/give)
Regina says
Rest in peace Mama Ellen.
Joseph Okuya says
Having known and worked with Ellen, for a decade, her departure leaves an irreplaceable palpable void that is felt across continents. A heroine’s sun has set. The chill is insurmountable but in the gloom, her deeds cast out like stars in the sky warm our hearts with an eternal twinkle. Fare thee well comrade, mother, sister, aunt and above all servant. If we are true and faithful, we will soon meet again when our Lord and savior returns to call you back.
Domonique Williams says
My condolences to the family. In such difficult times, Jehovah God asks to “throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” (1Peter 5:7). What consoling words to know that he understands and wants to help ease that pain. Soon he promises to eliminate death forever (Isaiah 25:8). May this scripture, along with the wonderful memories of Ellen, bring you comfort in these strenuous times.
Philip Owegi says
it’s with deep sorrow on learning the death of philanthropist,a hero and more so a friend of many but mostly interfaith fraternity the less privileged families. may the creater who made her be the way she was reward her. may her work and dedication for the lives of orphans follow her.
Ellen we loved you but GOD loved you most. may perpetual light shine upon you; rest in peace. Amen
Elsie & Don Randall says
Our association with the Howell family goes back many years, through the generations and through the woods between our Bass Lake
homes. Here we first met Ellen and here we captured pleasant hours in the sun. Our hearts are with Todd and their children now, please know we share your loss and are keeping each one in our prayers. WE are grateful to have known this precious and giving soul.
Fr. Caroly Achok says
Greetings to all. The greatest gift that God gave us is the well lived life of Mama Ellen.
I appreciate the work Ellen did to me as a person, in may capacity as the then Rector of St. Gabriel minor seminary. The support she gave to the Seminary by sponsoring the erection of Emergency stairs of the burnt dormitory has left a mark in the seminary. The love, the concern, the keenness, the generosity and the humility that Ellen demonstrated during her tenure of office crowns Ellen as the Queen of the vulnerable. Let the good works she did acts as the ladder to second life of glory and Ultimate Happiness. To all the family members, the entire leadership of GIP, I send my sincere condolences and prayers. Be blessed. Fr. Caroly
leonard says
Mama Ellen was indeed a saint sent by God to bring transformation in the lives of many people. Having served with mama has greatly changed my life as a person. The entire Daniels Howells family and the GIP Umoja fraternity may the Almighty God bring comfort,strength peace and hope during this trying moment.Rest in peace mama Ellen.
James Opiko says
May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. Our most sincere condolences.
James Opiko
For: The Royal Christian Institute (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Grace Ataro Onyango says
Ellen dearest,”women hold up half the sky” to me simply describes you. You held up half the sky for GIP but you held up the whole sky for me and Mawego girls.We will ferever cherish the love you had for us, that made you reach out to us in the wild, entrusting into our humble abode your Umoja daughters whom you tirelessly sought the very best for, your dear,dear daughter Callie and your precious interns and friends!!!.You dared to plant a seed. You have yourself an army of believers, thinkers and doers,answering to your call, your vision, your path, your light. You live on in our homes, our lives, our hearts. You have left a Star spangled legacy- your fight, your patience, your humility, your wisdom, your foresight, your spirituality, what a rich fountain of virtues to choose from for us who strive to immitate you. RIP Ellen.My mama Louisa says hello.
Grace, Mawego girls