SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 550

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize Ruth Deerman, who has been selected as a role model
for the City of El Paso by the El Paso Times on the occasion of 
Women's History Month; and
	WHEREAS, Women's History Month is celebrated annually 
during the month of March; to honor the vital roles women play in 
shaping new directions and ideas in society, the national theme 
of Women's History Month in 2003 is "Women Pioneering the 
Future"; and
	WHEREAS, For its selection of women who serve as role 
models for the City of El Paso, the El Paso Times invited its 
readers to nominate women who have made a strong impact on
their family, their neighborhood, or the entire city; the many 
deserving women who were selected for this public recognition
are genuine trailblazers in a wide variety of fields; and
	WHEREAS, Ruth Deerman is a sales director for Mary Kay
and a flight instructor, and she has attained a notable and
inspiring reputation as a pilot; in 1954, she and Ruby Hays 
piloted a C-140 prop plane, the "Cotton Clipper Cutie," from
Long Beach, California, to Knoxville, Tennessee, besting 45 
other airplanes to win the Powder Puff Derby; she was a charter 
member of the El Paso chapter of the Ninety-Nines, an 
international organization of women pilots, and later became 
president of the international organization; she also helped 
establish the El Paso Aviation Association, which she served
as vice president; and
	WHEREAS, With her many gifts and talents and through her 
initiative and perseverance, Ruth has set a lasting standard for 
others to emulate; and
	WHEREAS, Her worthy accomplishments and her pioneering 
spirit truly make Ruth an inspiration for all citizens of El Paso 
and a source of pride for all Texans; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby commend Ruth Deerman on her selection
as a role model for the City of El Paso; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
her as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
                                                                       Shapleigh




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 7, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate