[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 132 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING BETTY ORTEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2006

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
honor the life of Mrs. Betty Orten, a great Coloradan who passed away 
on November 24, 2006, the day after a spirited Thanksgiving celebration 
with her family. She demonstrated great leadership and social 
conscience in civic affairs and will be missed by friends and loved 
ones.
  Betty Orten grew up on military posts as her father's career as an 
Army officer took his family across the country, overseas, and finally 
to Colorado. Betty graduated from high school in Colorado Springs and 
then went on to receive a degree in history and sociology from the 
University of Colorado. While at the University of Colorado, she met 
her future husband, Russell Sage Orten. In 1951, they married and made 
their home in Westminster, Colorado.
  After graduation, Betty began a career as a social worker and also 
became involved in the Democratic Party. She served as a precinct 
committeewoman, Democratic State vice chairperson, Adams County 
Democratic chairperson, and Democratic National Committee member. In 
1974, after all of her hard-earned experience in social work and 
politics, she was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives.
  Betty served as a representative for four terms, as well as one term 
as the House caucus chairwoman. Throughout her career, she concentrated 
on issues concerning the disadvantaged. She focused on dental care for 
the elderly, help for battered women and displaced homemakers, housing 
for single-parent families, and child care for single moms.
  Those who knew Betty have fond memories and undoubtedly recognize her 
remarkable impact on them and fellow Coloradans along with Colorado 
politics. Betty was a role model and an example for women as she took 
leadership roles and worked tirelessly for the disadvantaged. Betty was 
always thoughtful, honest, and persuasive in work and politics.
  In 1997, I had the privilege to be a representative in the Colorado 
House of Representatives where inspiring stories of Betty's labors and 
personality still resound. She was a true pioneer who broke new ground 
throughout her political career and in her numerous leadership 
positions.
  If the measure of a life well-led is the impact that a person has on 
others, then Betty's impact is broad and deep. We all owe her a debt of 
gratitude and respect, and I ask my colleagues to join me in 
celebrating and remembering a life of service while expressing our 
deepest sympathies for her family's loss.

                          ____________________