Sister Mercedes Emmert, 96, Monastery Immaculate Conception, Ferdinand, passed away Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011 at the monastery’s Hildegard Health Center.

Born Jan. 14, 1915 in Haubstadt , she was the daughter of  Peter and Elnora (Schafer) Emmert.

She entered the Sisters of St. Benedict in 1930, made her temporary monastic profession in 1932, and her perpetual monastic profession in 1936. Beginning in 1934, she taught at Mariah Hill, Tell City, Evansville (St. Joseph and Holy Spirit), Dubois, Ireland, Fort Branch and Huntingburg, where she also served as principal. She ministered to the elderly at St. Benedict Parish and St. Joseph Parish in Evansville. She did supportive services and served in the ministry of prayer at the monastery.

 Survivors include two brothers, Roger, of Haubstadt;  Bob, of Ferdinand; two sisters, Sister Emily Emmert, OSB, of Beech Grove; Ruth Lee Rietman, of Haubstadt; nieces and nephews, and members of her religious community.

 She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Charles, Paul, John, and Bernie,; and a sister, Mary Rose Hunter.

 Visitation was 2-6:45 p.m. (eastern) Sunday, followed by a wake service at 7 p.m., at the monastery. Visitation continues Monday from 2-4:15 p.m. (eastern), followed by the funeral Mass at 4:30 p.m. (eastern) at the monastery.

Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand is in charge of arrangements.