[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 194 (Thursday, December 7, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S18125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO FRANCES MARION GRANT BENNETT

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to an extraordinary 
woman, Frances Marion Grant Bennett. On November 17, 1995, Frances 
passed away leaving behind an incredible legacy of service and love.
  Frances comes from and leaves behind a remarkable heritage. She was 
born in Salt Lake City, UT, on September 23, 1899, and was the last 
surviving child of the late Latter-day Saints Church President Heber J. 
Grant, and his wife Emily Wells Grant. She was also the wife of a U.S. 
Senator, Wallace F. Bennett, who served for 24 years in the U.S. 
Senate; and was the mother of five children, including Robert F. 
Bennett, currently serving in the U.S. Senate. In addition, she was the 
grandmother of 29, and the great-grandmother of 74. Her family members 
adore, praise, and love her with all of their hearts.
  Frances was an accomplished musician. She was a gifted pianist and 
student. She received a bachelor's degree in music from the University 
of Utah, and studied at Radcliffe College. She taught music at the 
University of Utah before her marriage to her husband.
  Frances was a tireless worker. She served for many years on the 
general board of the Primary Organization for the Church of Jesus 
Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this capacity she was able to 
positively influence thousands of children's lives through her 
kindness, words of wisdom, and love and affection. As a board member, 
Frances chaired the fundraising committee to build the Primary 
Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, now the finest children's 
hospital in the Intermountain West. The significance of her work in 
this area can never be measured. Thousands of children each year from 
across the United States are treated and helped at this Children's 
Hospital. I am sure that there are many mothers and fathers, as well as 
little children, that would thank Frances for her undying efforts on 
their behalf.
  In Washington, DC, Mrs. Bennett was a supportive and helpful partner 
to her husband during many years of public service. She served as 
president of the Congressional Club, a group of congressional wives. 
She wrote about many of her experiences in Washington, and with her 
family, in her autobiography, ``Glimpses of a Mormon Family.''
  Mrs. Bennett's friends describe her as gracious, gentle, regal, and 
warm. When you met her, her goodness was immediately apparent. She 
treated people with great kindness and respect. She raised a wonderful 
family, and will be missed by all.
  Mr. President, Utah was fortunate to have Frances Marion Grant 
Bennett as a citizen. She was truly a fine woman, talented musician, 
wonderful wife and mother, and devoted American. I feel fortunate to 
have been able to associate with her and learn from her example.

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