Norma J. Ennis Memorial

Norma Ennis was born during the great depression to a farming family in a tiny town of Southwest Missouri. From a young age, she wanted to be a nurse, but Norma’s dream of becoming a nurse was hard fought. The expense of college and a rapidly growing family meant putting her dream on hold while working various jobs from the shoe factory to selling Stanley Home Products. When a program came along to fund her earning an LPN, she jumped at the chance. Once she completed that program, she was able to work as an LPN as she continued towards her RN. This was a slow journey of taking what evening classes she could afford while working full-time. The day Norma earned her nursing pin was one of the happiest days of her life.

Because of Norma’s tenacity to overcome the great odds against her to earn her nursing license, her children have opportunities she did not have. Witnessing her journey also taught her children a strong understanding of the value of education. Thus, as a part of Norma’s legacy, her children offer this scholarship to help others realize their dream of becoming a registered nurse – an occupation with positive impacts beyond what any of us can know.

In 2024, a scholarship was established with Ozarks Technical Community College in Norma’s honor.

Norma June Ennis Obituary