Sister Elizabeth (Beth) Stover — Oct. 16, 1941 – June 7, 2020
Sister Elizabeth (Beth) Stover died June 7 at Cloud County Health Center in Concordia, Kansas. She was 78 years old and a Sister of St. Joseph for 60 years. She was born in Beloit, Kansas, on Oct. 16, 1941, to Paul and Marie 
Grennan Stover, the youngest of five children, and was baptized Margaret Elizabeth. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia, Kansas, on Sept. 8, 1959. On March 19, 1960, Beth received the habit of the Sisters of St. Joseph and was given the name Sister Ellen Dolora. Later, she went back to her baptismal name of Beth. She pronounced first vows on March 19, 1961, and final vows on March 19, 1966.
In 1964, Sister Beth received a B.A. in chemistry from Marymount College, Salina, Kansas, followed by a M.A. in hospital administration from St. Louis University in 1975. Sister Beth served as a medical technologist and lab supervisor at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Concordia, from 1965-1971. From 1975-1987 Sister Beth served as administrator of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Concordia. Sister Beth was elected as Vice President of the Congregation from 2008-2012; and served on the Leadership Council from 2012-2016. She retired to the Motherhouse in 2016.
Sister Beth was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters. She is survived by her sisters, Mary Ellen Truex, Odessa, Texas, and Jane Morch, Wichita, Kansas. A Bible Vigil Service will be held at 9:30 a.m. on June 11 with Sisters Margaret Nacke and Mary Savoie as the eulogists. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on June 11 with Father Barry Brinkman presiding.
Due to the safety precautions for Covid-19, the bible vigil and funeral mass will be private. However, both will be livestreamed on the Sisters of St. Joseph Facebook page. The burial will be in the Nazareth Motherhouse Cemetery. Chaput-Buoy Mortuary, 325 W. Sixth St., Concordia, is in charge of arrangements. Memorials for Sister Beth Stover 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.
To make an online donation in Sister Beth Stover’s memory, click on the button below:
Sister Beth was truly a vital part of St. Joseph Hospital. I still feel her presence from the 1980’s. And she was a faithful member of the hospital foundation board for the past eight years. We will be sending a memorial from the hospital and foundation, but the check will not be available this week. I just want you to know that many of the staff here remember Sister Beth and will be watching the livestream service on Thursday.
Sr. Beth was the CEO of St Joseph Hospital when I began to work there in 1977. She was not only dedicated to her work but a good friend to all. She played the organ at 4:00 mass everyday at the hospital when her schedule permitted. She will be missed. We always shared a story and a laugh when we saw each other.
Sister Beth was a wonderful, compassionate and loving friend! We met when I was in the community and I bonded with her and her sister, Sister Paul Mary (Colleen)! Sister and I have kept in touch over the years especially after Sister Colleen passed and she was my connection with Sister Annie!
Sister Beth was a mentor, friend and role model to me throughout the years! I will miss her!
My love, prayerful hugs and healing energies to all who will feel her loss!
I know that she will bless us from above as “there is no death only a change of worlds”(Chief Seattle)
Dear Sisters
I was saddened to learn of the death of Sister Beth. She was a dear gift to you. May she now Rest in real Peace. Keep those wonderful memories of her music, her laughter, her life of prayer.