[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2010]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO VADA SHEID

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                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 12, 2008

  Mr. BERRY. Madam Speaker, I rise here today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding citizen and dear friend. I am proud to recognize one of 
Arkansas' greatest public servants Vada Sheid. Her recent death was a 
great loss for our community and our Nation.
  Vada Sheid was the first woman to be elected to both the Arkansas 
House of Representatives and the Arkansas State Senate. Her career in 
public service, which also included positions in numerous county 
offices, boards, commissions and committees, spanned across five 
decades. Mrs. Sheid was instrumental in securing significant road 
improvements for north central Arkansas as well as the creation of 
Arkansas State University-Mountain Home.
  Vada Webb was born on August 19, 1916, in Izard County. She grew up 
in Calico Rock and entered public service working at the Izard County 
welfare office when she was 19. Shortly after she married Carl Sheid in 
1941 the couple moved to El Dorado and eventually settled in Mountain 
Home.
  In 1958, Mrs. Sheid ran for Baxter County treasurer and lost. In 
1960, she ran again, won, and served as treasurer through 1965. In 
1966, she was elected to the State house of representatives and served 
four terms. She was only one of four women who served during the 1967-
1968 term. In 1976, Mrs. Sheid was elected to the State senate and 
became the only woman to serve in both houses in Arkansas.
  In 1987, Governor Bill Clinton appointed her to the State Police 
Commission. In 1992, after a resignation of the local State 
representative, Mrs. Sheid ran for office again and won, serving in the 
house again until 1995.
  Her work to improve education and ASU Mountain Home earned her an 
honorary doctor of law degree from the college in 1998. Her dedication 
to serving the community is remembered by the Mountain Home Area 
Chamber of Commerce's Vada Sheid Lifetime Achievement Award, which is 
given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the 
community.
  On behalf of Congress, I extend my deepest sympathies to Mrs. Sheid's 
family and gratitude for the countless hours she spent serving others. 
She leaves a legacy of accomplishment in Arkansas as well as inspiring 
memories for all who knew her.

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