[Page H691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING THELMA BAKER

  (Mr. DOWNING asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary 
life of Thelma Baker. Thelma is what one might call a local legend, 
both in Missoula County where she made her home and across the Treasure 
State.
  To some, she was known as the owner and proprietor of the Thunderbird 
and Canyon Motels, to others a great-great-grandmother. Those are two 
greats for the folks keeping track at home.
  The Thelma I knew was a tireless advocate for conservative causes, 
who lived a life of dedicated service to her community, to her State, 
and to her country. She was a voting member of the Montana electoral 
college since 2000 and was actively involved with local organizations 
like the University of Montana Grizzly Athletic Association, Copper 
Connections, and the Missoula Chamber of Commerce.
  Thelma lived the life of a model citizen, and generations of 
Montanans will be better off for her devotion to civic engagement and 
community involvement.
  May her memory be a blessing.

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