Ruth Stockton

Ruth Stockton
Colorado State Senator
1916 - 1990
INDUCTED 1985

Stockton served three years in the Colorado House (1961-1964) and then in the state Senate for twenty (1965-1985). She was elected the first female President pro tem of the Senate for four of these years.

Ruth Stockton waited until her daughter left for college to run for political office in Jefferson County. She emerged as a powerful legislator and champion for good government. Stockton served three years in the Colorado House (1961-1964) and then in the state Senate for twenty (1965-1985). She was elected the first female President pro tem of the Senate for four of these years. Although a tough negotiator, she worked across the aisle to get results. As a moderate Republican, Ruth worked for passage of a wide array of legislation dealing with children’s health and education, the Equal Rights Amendment, reproductive choice for women, rehabilitation of alcohol and drug abusers, mental health programs, and transportation and highway safety. And, she always kept a close eye on the state budget.

“I’m ready to sit down and work it out. When the going gets rough, they know I’m not the weak sister. — Senator Ruth Stockton