Jeffery Oscar Ennis, 65, of Madras passed away on Wednesday, October 6, 2021. There will be no public service at this time To light a candle for Jeff or leave and online condolence for the family, please go to: www.whisperingpinesfuneralhome.com
Jeffery Oscar Ennis was born in 1956 to his parents James (Bill) and Janet Ennis in Western Oregon. Soon the family had moved to Madras and then to several ranches in Wheeler County before returning to Madras. The family settled on a small homestead near Round Butte, where Janet still ranches with her daughter Jennita. Jeff developed respect for the homesteading way of life by tagging along with James Mitchell, an actual pioneer and his neighbor.
Jeff attended school in Metolious and Madras, and graduated from MHS in 1974. He began work, while in school, at Foster Manufacturing and would go on to spend his life working as a truck and heavy equipment operator, mechanic and fabricator. He enjoyed fabricating parts when he couldn’t find replacements.
Jeff got his first Model T truck when he was just out of high school. It was old, rusty, incomplete and didn’t run, but Jeff worked hard on it and soon he was taking it out on dirt roads and to parades. He always preferred his T’s to be in as close to “as found” condition as possible and never “restored” them with paint and body work.
Jeff also was very loyal to people and animals. For years he had horses that he had raised. He participated in the Jefferson County Mounted Sherriff’s Posse and later in the Latch County Posse on the Search and Rescue team. He participated in several rescues in Idaho. Jeff never had any children but he was never without a dog that would be his constant companion.
Jeff loved hunting deer and elk, horseback riding and camping with his family. His dad and the family loved to hunt at Mount Washington and Black Canyon.
After working for the Jefferson County Road Department for years, Jeff left Madras and worked on a ranch in Lake County, lived in Burns, and then settled in Deary, ID, where he lived and worked for many years. He eventually moved back to Madras, where he became reacquainted with Vonnie, who became the love of his life. During this time Jeff began writing; lots of letters to the editor, and about Round Butte history.
Although Jeff was very talented, he struggled with alcohol addiction during his life. Through it all he never lost his deep love of family and friends. Anyone wishing to make a donation in his memory is encouraged to donate to a substance abuse program of their choosing. Jeff is survived by Vonnie Blann, his mother Janet Ennis Buck, Jim and Marie Ennis, Jennita Ennis, and Joy and Ron Jones, and many nieces and nephews.
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