[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21826]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO RUTH MARIE COLVILLE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 10, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart that I stand 
before this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to 
the life and passing of Ruth Marie Colville, an outstanding citizen 
from my district. Ruth was an active member of the Del Norte, Colorado 
community and she will be remembered as a respected historian, 
educator, and mother. Ruth passed away recently at the age of 99, 
leaving a legacy of leadership for her community to follow. I stand to 
honor that leadership here today.
  Ruth was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania but moved to Del Norte 
shortly after she graduated from college. Ruth had a fascination with 
the West, exhibited in her love of movies and Western entertainment. 
Ruth began her life in Del Norte as a history teacher, calling on her 
English and History degrees from Wellesley College. Ruth's passion, 
however, was researching and documenting the life, culture, and 
exploration of early life in the San Luis Valley.
  Ruth's passion would lead her to write several books on the history 
of the area, and she soon became a respected member of the educational 
community. For her service, Adams State College opened the Ruth Marie 
Colville room in the Nielsen library. Del Norte honored her by opening 
the Ruth Marie Center for the Community.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Ruth Marie Colville 
before this Congress and this nation. Her hard work, enthusiasm, and 
leadership in the community will be sorely missed. My thoughts and 
prayers go out to Ruth's family and friends as they mourn her loss.

                          ____________________