[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 21 (Friday, February 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO RUTH COLE DUSENBURY

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                        HON. MARILYN N. MUSGRAVE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 16, 2006

  Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ruth Cole Dusenbury 
whose life was a shining example of responsible citizenship. Born in 
Maryland in 1929, Ruth's busy life led her to Holyoke, Colorado in 1974 
where she became part owner of Speer Cushion Company and was an active 
participant in numerous professional organizations and civic groups.
  Ruth was an energetic advocate for small business concerns. From 
1976-1987 Ruth served in the local Business and Professional Women's 
Organization in all offices as well as District Chairman. She served as 
State Legislative Chairman for 2 years and she attended 3 national 
conventions as well as 6 state conventions. She was a member of a 
delegation of businesspeople from throughout the United States to the 
Republic of China in 1986. Mrs. Dusenbury participated in the State 
Leadership Initiative sponsored by then Secretary of State Natalie 
Meyers.
  In 1993, Ruth was a member of the Statehouse Conference on Small 
Business and, in 1995, she was elected as a delegate to the White House 
Conference on Small Business in Washington DC. Ruth was an active 
member of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, serving as 
a delgate to national meetings in 1996 and 1998.
  Ruth also had a deep love of the arts. She was a board member of the 
Holyoke Community Arts Council for 30 years. She was a charter member 
of the Colorado Arts Consortium and participated in regional activities 
as well as at a national level with the National Association of Local 
Arts Agencies. Additionally, Ruth was President of the Colorado Arts 
Coalition for 2 years, an advocacy group for the arts.
  The Republican Party also consumed a great deal of Ruth's time and 
energy. She was a campaign worker for Nixon/Agnew, Senator Hank Brown, 
Representative and Senator Wayne Allard, Senator Ben Nighthorse 
Campbell, Governor Bill Owens, and numerous state and local candidates. 
Ruth was the Republican chairman of Phillips County, Colorado and 
served as a delegate to the state conventions numerous years. She was 
an alternate to the Republican National Convention in 1984.
  Ruth led by example and her enthusiastic community involvement 
demonstrated her passion for making a positive impact on the world 
around her. We have been saddened by the recent loss of this woman. She 
gave so much to her community and her state for so many years. Ruth 
Dusenbury was also well known as a loving wife and mother. She is 
leaving behind her loving husband Wally and two beautiful daughters.

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