One of the nicest ladies I ever met was Ellie Leonard Norris, the lovely and serene second wife of U.S. Sen. George W. Norris.

As a newspaperman, I had the privilege of visiting with Mrs. Norris several times during the final 11 years of her life. All were memorable meetings, but one of the encounters stands out in my mind.

The special happening took place in 1972. It was during the Nebraska primary campaign when one of the Democratic candidates, George McGovern, stopped by McCook to campaign for votes.

Among his stops was the National Guard Armory on West Seventh Street.

After walking through the building to shake hands at the 4-H Carnival, McGovern headed back to the campaign bus.

But, just before boarding, he turned to me: "You're with the local newspaper, aren't you? Could you tell me if Sen. Norris' widow still lives in McCook?

"Well, yes sir," I quickly replied. "She lives across the street at the Hillcrest Nursing Home. She's 98, but she's still sharp as a tack."

McGovern's eyes immediately brightened. "Do you think I could see her?," he asked. "Let's find out," I said. "Come across the street with me and we will ask if she is up to receiving guests."

He did so, leaving a bus-load of major media members inside the bus.

The senator and I stopped at the Hillcrest desk and the receptionist rang Mrs. Norris's room. Picking up the phone, I asked, as respectfully as I knew how, if Mrs. Norris would receive Sen. McGovern for a short visit.

"Certainly," she said. "It would be my pleasure."

What followed was one of the most stunning experiences of my reporting life. A United States Senator, who would win his party's nomination for president, was tongue-tied in Mrs. Norris's presence.

He was like a young student standing obediently before his school teacher. Sen. McGovern was in awe of Mrs. Norris.

It was like he was encountering history, face-to-face.

In a way he was. Ellie Leonard and George Norris were married in 1903, the same year George was elected to his first term as a U.S. Congressman.

He would serve in the House and Senate until 1943, a 40-year span in which he authored some of the most important legislation in the nation's history.

Sen. Norris died in 1944, but his effect on America lives on though his good works and the regal bearing of his widow, who lived with quiet dignity until her death in 1972.

Just months before her passing, she made a lasting impression on Sen. McGovern and she made a lasting impression on me.

Ellie Leonard Norris's life story, and that of her husband, George William, reminded us of the greatness of which all are capable ... but such precious few achieve.

Thirty four years later, I remain in awe of Mrs. Norris' elegant example and her profound impact on a candidate for president of the United States.