Ann Richards, one of the most outspoken and feisty Texas governors in history, died Wednesday, September 13th, 2006, at the age of 73. She had been battling cancer for some years prior. Born in Lakeview, Texas in 1933, Ann Margaret Richards was the daughter of she and her husband Cecil Richards’ only daughter. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Baylor University. After teaching in public schools in Texas for several years, Richards became politically active in the 1970s. She ran successful campaigns for school board, city council, and county commissioner. In 1982, she was elected to the office of the State Treasurer of Texas and was reelected to a second term in 1986. During her tenure as a public servant, she became popular for articulating her passionate messages and straightforward attitude. In 1990, Richards ran for the Democratic nomination for governor of Texas and became the second woman elected to the office. She was reelected in 1993. While governor, she focused on education and public finance reform, and passed initiatives to improve the state’s healthcare system. Richards later served as the Democratic National Committee Chairwoman from 1999 to 2001. In her later years, she maintained an active role in politics and participated in several speaking engagements and conferences across the world. Richards is survived by her four children and several grandchildren.