[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10107]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE SERVICE OF MARY ELLEN EPPS TO THE PEOPLE OF 
                                COLORADO

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2014

  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my 
former colleagues in the Colorado General Assembly, Mary Ellen Epps. 
Mary Ellen and I served together at the State Capitol in Denver. Mary 
Ellen was an absolute dynamo of a Representative and Senator who 
faithfully served her constituents in the Fountain and Widefield 
region.
  Mary Ellen lived a full life and had an intense passion for learning. 
She received her bachelor's degree from Colorado Christian University 
and also took courses in French and nursing. She even was a student 
pilot.
  With large portions of Fort Carson in her district, and as a Lifetime 
VFW member, Mary Ellen was a passionate advocate for our men and women 
in uniform, their families, and our veterans.
  Mary Ellen was a passionate, dedicated, and hard-working legislator. 
A tough fighter for public safety and law and order, Mary Ellen worked 
hard to pass legislation increasing penalties on uninsured motorists. 
She also worked to increase the hardships of prison for our most 
dangerous criminals.
  The range of Mary Ellen's knowledge and expertise was reflected in 
the committees she served during her time in the General Assembly. She 
was able to help and assist so many people while serving on the 
Criminal Justice, Medically Indigent, Environmental, Arts and Tourism, 
and Health Care committees.
  Mary Ellen was able to represent her constituents so well because she 
made a conscientious effort to personally connect with as many as 
possible and learn what motivated them and what issues were their 
priorities. Her passionate advocacy and tireless work ethic was an 
inspiration to me and I was honored to call her my friend.
  Mary Ellen has passed away, but I know that she is in a better place. 
Please consider her three children, three grandchildren, and one great-
grandchild in your thoughts and prayers.

                          ____________________