Norma Stillings was born and raised on a farm five miles west of Ava, in Douglas County. She attended grade school at Nubbin Ridge School District #55, and rode the bus to Ava High School where she graduated in 1955 and achieved the honor of class salutatorian.
Norma attended college at Southwest Missouri State in Springfield, graduating in 1963.
Norma taught in a rural school house in the Fielden School district from 1956-57. She worked five years as a special education teacher at Norwood Elementary from 1963 -1968, and at Ava High School for 31 years, retiring in 1999.
Throughout her teaching career, and retirement years, Norma has remained active in the community as a volunteer. She participates in a member of service organizations.
A correspondent for the Herald for 10 years, Norma serves in the following clubs and organizations: treasurer, Support the Handicapped Board; treasurer, Douglas County Community Health Assistance Resource Team; secretary, University Extension Council; sec/ treasurer, Burdett Cemetery; ombudsman, Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center; Hospice Compassus volunteer; Sunday school teacher, pianist, organist, and clerk, Bethany Baptist Church; president, Douglas County & Nubbin Ridge Homemakers Clubs.
Norma raised four children –– Dan Stillings, Debra Stillings Bohnstedt, Tom Stillings and Don Stillings.
As a community correspondent for the Herald, Norma provides news from the Rainbow Ridge neighborhood, and Bethany Baptist Church.
