In Memory of…

  • Dr. Deborah Turner - 1950-2024

    Dr. Turner, National President of the League, graduated from medical school at the University of Iowa in 1978. She became the first black doctor certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and specialized in gynecologic oncology in 1985. She practiced medicine for 35 years. Dr. Turner earned her law degree in 2007. She was President of her local league from 2011 to 2015 and was voted President of the National League in 2020 and was re-elected in 2022. She was an amazing woman and a strong advocate for women and voter rights. She was one of the most dedicated individuals to our many causes and represented the league as a professional yet strong advocate in many different areas. As she always said, “Keep on keeping on.”

    2023 March on Washington

  • Bettye Gillespie 1928-2021

    Bettye was a civil rights activist who dedicated her life to working for the rights of African Americans and women in Utah and the United States.

  • Lawanna Shurtliff 1935-2020

    Lou Shurtliff - Rep. Shurtliff, a Democrat from Ogden who served in the Utah House from 1999 to 2008 and again from 2018 to 2020. Rep. Shurtliff was a devoted public servant as a long-time representative and a beloved teacher at Ogden High School.

  • Janet Shipton 1923-2019

    Janet was a politician, activist, and Psychologist. She served in leadership roles in the Iowa and Missouri League of Women Voters, the Missouri Women’s Network, and the Missouri Older Women’s League, focusing on issues of women’s health and voter registration. She lived in Utah and was a member of the Weber League in her passing.

  • Georgia Turner 1922-2017

    She volunteered for 35+ years for the League of Woman Voters, 20+ years at YCC, and 20+ years at the Union Station Foundation. She worked at Hill Air Force Base as a nurse and retired from DDO in management. She was recognized by many organizations. She received the Ogden Mayor’s Award from Mayor Matt Godfrey, she was a member for almost 60 years of the Order of the Eastern Star, Queen of the West Chapter 17. She received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Sojourner Truth Award.

  • Ruth Powell 1924-2017

    Ruth was a President of The Utah Nurse’s Association, past president of The Utah League of Women Voters and past auxiliary mother of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. She was also an active volunteer of Your Community Connection, where she won The Utah Governor’s Award for her service.

  • Patricia Garner 1934-2013

    Pat worked as a teacher and counselor at Weber Basin Job for 25 years. She retired from the DDO in 1994. She was active in the League of Women Voters and served in many positions.

  • Patricia Braun 1929 - 2004

    Patricia Braun was a very private person, hence, it is next to impossible to find information about her. She was raised in Lake Oswego, OR, and graduated with a law degree from Mills College. She was the Weber County League President from 1981 to 1983 and Utah State League Co-President from 1989-1993. She was honored as one of Utah's First Hundred Women Attorneys from 1872-1976. Pat brought professionalism and intelligence to Utah. She also was the first Co-President of the State League that wasn't from the Salt Lake area. Anyone who knew Pat felt enriched by her dedication and knowledge.

  • Ruth Bader Ginsburg 1933–2020

    A historical figure that changed the world for American women. She served 27 years in the United States Supreme Court battling for Women’s legal rights. She was a leading voice for gender equality, women's interests, and civil rights and liberties. In 1970, she founded the Women’s Rights Law Reporter, an independent publication at Rutgers Law School. In 1972, She joined the Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) as the founding director of the new Women’s Rights Project. Ruth was precise, characteristically cautious, and single mindedly aimed at the one goal of winning. She was tough as nails. Though we have been unable to confirm if she was a League of Women Voters member, she undoubtedly deserves a spot on our LWV In Memory tribute. Rest Peacefully RBG. We are tirelessly continuing with your legacy and protecting Women’s Rights.

    “Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” RBG

    https://youtu.be/dbEui7DSBCY

  • Susan B. Anthony 1820-1906

    American social reformer and women's rights activist who played a pivotal role in the women's suffrage movement. She was an activist, advocate and organizer for abolition, temperance, women's rights, and particularly women's suffrage. Served as Women's Right to Vote Leader. Her belief was “A woman must not depend upon the protection of man but must be taught to protect herself”.

    “There never will be complete equality until women themselves help to make laws and elect lawmakers.” Susan B. Anthony

    https://youtu.be/o-suAlXQhMI