[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 77 (Monday, June 13, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S6391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CONGRATULATIONS ZOE DELL NUTTER

  Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, I rise to celebrate the remarkable life 
of one of Ohio's most extraordinary women, Zoe Dell Nutter, a person 
whom my wife Janet and I count among our very dearest friends.
  Professional dancer and model, successful businesswoman, renowned 
aviatrix, newspaper columnist and generous philanthropist, Zoe Dell 
Nutter has been each of these and so much more.
  Today, she has one more entry to her long list of credits, awards, 
and achievements--her 90th birthday. Zoe Dell's life has taken her to 
so many places, called her into so many fascinating career pursuits, 
driven her to give so much back to her community, State, and Nation, 
and, lastly, rewarded her with so many accolades, honors along the way 
that I could never do her story justice on this floor.
  I will spend a moment describing the wonderful friendship Janet and I 
have shared with Zoe Dell. It was truly a friendship at first sight 
when we all met on a long day back in 1979. Erv and Zoe Dell were the 
loves of one another's eyes, true life partners who shared the same 
dreams, interests, and passions through their marriage. Janet and I 
were always so impressed with how supportive they were of one another 
and how proud and respectful they were of each other's careers. They 
had a genuine concern for their family, extended family, and community. 
Above all else, they were a truly devoted couple. And I know that the 
bond Janet and I forged with them is, in part, a reflection of the 
devotion to each other we have treasured over the 42 years of our 
marriage.
  I would ask each of you here today to reflect on your own lives, and 
on those special friendships that are so vital to your happiness. 
Sometimes I think our fellow citizens do not realize that the most 
significant friendships enjoyed by those of us in public service are 
usually with people who are far removed from politics and governing. So 
it has been with the Nutters and the Voinovichs.
  Of all the remarkable things Zoe Dell has done in her life, perhaps 
nothing else quite compares with her love for flying and her 
accomplishments both as a gifted aviatrix and a tireless champion of 
aviation. She first took to the skies in the 1940s, when women were not 
exactly encouraged to be pilots. Zoe Dell persevered and excelled. And 
in so doing, she helped make it possible for little girls around the 
world to add ``aviation'' to the list of dreams that they might dream.
  One of Zoe Dell's greatest contributions to aviation was a dream of 
her own--a vision that the industry should have its own hall of fame. 
Because of her, I became interested, as Governor, in helping to make 
her dream a reality in Ohio. And why not? Let me repeat the names of 
some of America's foremost aviation pioneers: the Wright Brothers, John 
Glenn, Neil Armstrong, and, yes, Zoe Dell Nutter--Ohioans, one and all.
  Janet and I worked tirelessly with Zoe Dell and Erv on the hall of 
fame project, but it was always Zoe Dell who was the heartbeat of the 
initiative. We were successful in making it a true public-private 
partnership and today the Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton is a 
sparkling jewel in the crown of Ohio's contributions to aviation. Thank 
you, Zoe Dell, one more time, for your vision, for your commitment, and 
for your own numerous contributions to aviation.
  Zoe Dell hung up her pilot's wings a number of years back. But I can 
guarantee you, she is wearing another set of wings that will be with 
her all the days of her life--angel's wings.
  Janet and I treasure our friendship with Zoe Dell. And I am humbled 
to place this tribute into the Congressional Record, acknowledging the 
venerable milestones Zoe Dell Nutter has reached on this day, and, more 
importantly, a life so fully lived.
  May she enjoy many more years of good health and God's blessing.

                          ____________________