Kansas lawmakers Thursday remembered Representative Patsy Terrell, who died this week in her hotel room in Topeka.
The Democrat from Hutchinson was in her first term in the House. Her desk in the Kansas House chamber was covered in flowers Thursday.
Terrell’s last significant vote in the chamber was to override a veto and approve a major overhaul of the state’s tax system. Democratic Leader Jim Ward remembered speaking with her after the vote.
“She was so excited, because whatever your position about the vote Tuesday night, she believed it was historic and important and she had a role in it," said Ward. "She was hugging me so tight because she was so happy.”
Ward called Terrell kind, generous and strong.
Republican House Speaker Ron Ryckman called Terrell thoughtful and full of creativity.