Elnora was quite the scholar and high achiever. In her early learning she attended Vernon Elementary School and Northeast Junior High School and graduated from Sumner High School, class of 1954. She was affectionately nicknamed “Dimples” by her Sumner classmates. Elnora continued her study in nursing at Homer G. Phillips School of Nursing (St. Louis, MO) in addition to KCK Community College (Kansas City, KS). She later earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from University of St. Mary’s in Leavenworth, KS.
On December 26, 1957, Elnora and George Stanley Butler were married in Kansas City, KS. This union was blessed with four children.
Elnora went on to become a Registered Nurse and spent a great deal of her career working at Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth, KS. During her tenure at the VA hospital, “Nurse Norie” was a member of the board of directors and held the role as the head nurse. She retired from the VA hospital but later returned to work as a school nurse at Vernon Alternative School in Kansas City, KS. She officially retired from nursing in 2005.
Elnora accepted Christ early in her youth. She was a woman of deep faith that truly loved the Lord and that reflected in her everyday way of life. She was a longstanding and devoted member of New Seasons Christian Church (KCK) where she is recognized for her invaluable contributions and service in several ministries - Usher board, healthcare ministry, women’s ministry, intercessory prayer ministry and 110th anniversary committee chairperson.
Elnora was a nurturer, and benevolent giver. She was passionate about philanthropic work and often volunteered her time to non-profit organizations such as KMADT and the Black Health Coalition. She was compassionate, kind, and loved animals (especially her dog Benji). She was an advent reader and had a passion for fashion. She loved to accessorize, and she was always receiving compliments for being sharply dressed.
Elnora departed this earthly life on Saturday, January 6, 2024.
She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Felix and Dorothy Hayes, three brothers, Paul E. Hayes, Felix N. Hayes, Donald E. Hayes, and one daughter, Caroll L. Montgomery.
Elnora is lovingly remembered by two daughters, Kathy M. Brewer (Jerome Brewer Sr.) and Debbie K. Butler, one son, Kevin S. Butler, 5 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Services can be viewed at NewSeasonsCC.Org
