[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 10] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 14343] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING ANNE RAGSDALE ______ HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN of tennessee in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 8, 2008 Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Speaker, as I come to the floor today to speak, friends and colleagues of Anne Ragsdale are gathering in Nashville to celebrate her life and her many contributions to her city and to her country. Anne Ragsdale was an extraordinary woman who chose to spend her life encouraging others and inspiring those of us who knew her to give selflessly of our time and talents. Anne Ragsdale believed in this great nation and its goodness and felt that every child who called America home should be able to dream big dreams and have those dreams come true. She embodied the spirit of philanthropy, never giving for any reason other than knowing that her gifts would make a positive difference in the lives of others. She did not focus on herself. She focused on the people around her: her family, her friends, her charitable causes, and her church. As a matter of fact, if she were standing here on this floor with me today, she would probably tell me to use the time focusing on a cause for human good and not to use the time talking about her. Those of us who called her our friend loved this trait in Anne. Anne held a deep and abiding faith and was an active member of First Southern Methodist Church of Nashville and was a member of St. Paul Southern Methodist Church for 25 years. In the community, her true passion involved helping children in need and providing them with education in a safe and loving environment. She and her husband, Dick, have been wonderful supporters of scholarships and educational opportunities for children at schools throughout Tennessee. She was a small businesswoman, homemaker, and activist for many charitable causes. She was also co-founder and board member of Birthright of Nashville, YMCA Community Action Programs and East Academy. She served on the board of directors of the Salvation Army, Nashville for 15 years and also on the board of Alive Hospice. She was a founding member of the Nashville Symphony's Schermerhorn Symphony Center. She especially enjoyed serving as the costume designer for the Nashville Children's Theatre. Anne Ragsdale will be missed. Her participation and support will be missed by the schools, churches and organizations to which she provided leadership and support. She will be missed by her friends who leaned on her for support and comfort. She will be missed by the family she adored and cherished. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in appreciation of a life well lived. ____________________