[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 24421-24422]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ELNA MAE RYDEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 8, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise before 
this body of Congress and this nation today to pay tribute to the life 
and memory of an outstanding citizen from my district. Elna Mae Ryden 
of New Castle, Colorado recently passed away at the age of eighty-one. 
Elna was an active and talented member of her community, and as her 
family and friends mourn her passing, I would like to pay tribute to 
her life and achievements.
  Elna was very active in her community, donating her time and talents 
to a wide variety of organizations. Groups like 4-H and the Elk Creek 
Homemakers Club benefited greatly from Elna's participation. Elna also 
served as Secretary for the Garfield County Farm Bureau and sat on the 
Founders' Committee for the New Castle Recreation Center. An 
industrious woman, Elna was a farmer and rancher; she owned and 
operated Shady Court Trailer Park--raised ostriches, emus, and 
chinchillas--and wired her house and those in her neighborhood for 
electricity.
  Mr. Speaker, Elna Mae Ryden was a talented and industrious woman. She 
gave liberally to her family, friends, and community. While Elna has 
passed on, her legacy will continue to live. I am honored to join with 
my colleagues in honoring Elna here today. My thoughts are with her 
family and friends during this difficult time.

[[Page 24422]]



                          ____________________