[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 9 (Monday, January 24, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E98]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING ALICE MUELRATH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 24, 2011

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise with sadness today to honor Alice 
Muelrath who passed away January 6, 2011, in Santa Rosa, California, at 
the age of 93. Mrs. Muelrath was deeply involved in the local dairy 
farming community, having grown up in a ranching family before marrying 
a ranch hand who later acquired two dairy operations of his own.
  Alice's parents, John and Maria Albini, were part of a wave of 
immigrants from Italy who settled the area in the early 1900s, and 
Alice grew up in Bodega Bay. She and her three siblings spoke fluent 
Italian which was useful for both translating between cultures and 
keeping secrets from the kids.
  In 1936, Alice married Peter Muelrath. The couple acquired a ranch in 
Bodega Bay and later second one near Santa Rosa. At the Santa Rosa 
ranch, Alice developed a skill for growing colorful flowers and was 
known for the beauty and variety of her plantings. They had two 
children, Bob and Mary; Bob, who is also a Sonoma County farmer, served 
as president of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau.
  Alice was a cheerful and energetic woman who contributed with 
enthusiasm to a variety of community causes such as North Bay Dairy 
Women, Sonoma County Historical Society, Marin and Sonoma Italian Club, 
Sonoma County Farm Bureau, and Palm Drive Hospital.
  Alice's husband passed away in 1983. In addition to her son and 
daughter, she is survived by her sisters Elsie Carmody and Jennie 
Poncia, five grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, Alice Muelrath exemplifies the proud Italian-American 
ranching tradition of Sonoma and Marin Counties. She and her family 
demonstrate the vibrancy and importance of agriculture in our 
community, and I am proud to honor her long life.

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