79S31147 JNC-D

By:  Hunter                                                       H.R. No. 271



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Charlene Ricketts of Abilene has embraced life's 
rewards and challenges with enthusiasm and grace, and in doing so 
she has set an example to which all can aspire; and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. Ricketts grew up on a farm outside of Mora, 
Missouri, without electricity or other amenities; she attended a 
nearby school, where she played the clarinet in the band and 
developed bonds with teachers and friends that still endure; and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. Ricketts attended Central Missouri State 
University in Warrensburg; a young sailor, Bill Ricketts, enrolled 
in the Naval Officers Training Program, caught her eye, romance 
blossomed, and the two were married in July 1945; they were blessed 
with three children, a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Ricketts Marcus, and 
two sons, Charles John Ricketts and Robert William Ricketts; and
	WHEREAS, The untimely passing of her husband in 1959 made 
Mrs. Ricketts a single mother, but determination and hard work made 
her a successful provider; she moved her family to Abilene and did 
what she could to make ends meet, selling her home-baked pies, 
making Christmas stockings, and typing papers for students at the 
local college; and
	WHEREAS, After her children were enrolled in school, Mrs. 
Ricketts took a job at Abilene Christian University; her 
association with the institution continues to this day; since 1972, 
she has ably served as secretary for State Representative Bob 
Hunter, senior vice president emeritus of ACU; throughout her 
career, she has adhered to the highest standards of professionalism 
and earned the lasting respect and admiration of her employer and 
colleagues alike; and
	WHEREAS, Committed to a range of worthy causes, she has been a 
valued member of the Abilene Business Women's Association, Western 
Horizons Chapter, lending her talents to the Junior Miss 
Scholarship Program; she also serves her congregation at Hillcrest 
Church of Christ, teaching classes for young children; and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. Ricketts is now the matriarch of a loving 
family that has grown to include eight grandchildren, Kimberly 
Alderman, Kelley Latson, Todd Latson, Halie B. Ricketts, Andrea 
Chumbley, Scott Chumbley, Alyssa Abjornson, and Will Ricketts, and 
five great-grandchildren; and
	WHEREAS, Still active and vibrant at the age of 80, she walks 
three miles a day, sometimes more on weekends; an avid runner and 
tennis player, she has hundreds of trophies to her credit; she also 
enjoys music, reading, theater, the symphony, and visits to museums 
and the zoo; and
	WHEREAS, Charlene Ricketts has enriched the lives of 
countless Texans with her passion, dedication, and wisdom, and she 
is truly an inspiration to all those fortunate to know her; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commend Charlene Ricketts 
for her many achievements and extend to her best wishes for the 
future; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mrs. Ricketts as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.