TITLE: Congratulating Lolete Bales Ratliff of Killeen on her 100th birthday.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Lolete Bales Ratliff of Killeen on her 100th birthday.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The 100th birthday of an esteemed Texan is indeed a special occasion, and Lolete Bales Ratliff of Killeen is marking this significant milestone in her life on February 9, 2013; and WHEREAS, Born in 1913, the former Lolete Bales grew up in Llano County in the community of Lone Grove, where her farming and ranching family settled as pioneers around 1880; she excelled in tennis and competed in doubles tennis at the state UIL championship, and she also demonstrated musical talent as a self-taught pianist; after attending the county high school, she studied at Mary Hardin Baylor College; and WHEREAS, She married Joe Ratliff of Llano in February 1938, and while he was serving at Kelly Airfield during World War II, the couple lived in San Antonio, where Mrs. Ratliff attended beauty college; they became the proud parents of a daughter, Alberteen "Tina" Ratliff, whom they named after Mrs. Ratliff's beloved brother; and WHEREAS, Following the war, the Ratliffs returned to Llano, and Mrs. Ratliff established a beauty salon there; she continued to enjoy music and shared that love with her daughter, who would go on to teach music in the Killeen Independent School District; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Ratliff was widowed in 1977; she continued to live independently in Llano until the age of 90, when she moved to Killeen to be closer to her daughter; today, the former beautician is still known for her impeccable appearance; she delights in playing 42 with friends, bidding recklessly and always achieving her mark; in addition, she likes to add to her owl collection; Mrs. Ratliff counts herself fortunate in having inherited good genes, and she can also attribute her longevity to her reliably sunny outlook; and WHEREAS, Lolete Ratliff is a source of wisdom and inspiration to all who are fortunate enough to know her, and as her family and friends gather to celebrate the many ways in which she has enriched their lives, it is indeed a pleasure to join in honoring this cherished centenarian; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Lolete Bales Ratliff on the occasion of her 100th birthday and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mrs. Ratliff as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Aycock Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 401 was adopted by the House on February 28, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House