Malcolm Wallop: “at the end of December last year, Ruth Van Cleve retired after almost 43 years of public service to this Nation and…”

“at the end of December last year, Ruth Van Cleve retired after almost 43 years of public service to this Nation and especially to the residents of our territories. Her long and distinguished career was marked by a grace and dedication which is too often absent. Even in the most difficult circumstances she brought scholarship, commitment, and an unruffled and pleasant stance. Mrs. Van Cleve graduated from Mount Holyoke College magna cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She received her law degree from Yale, a choice of schools which I warmly applaud, and went to work for the Department of the Interior serving on the Commission on the Application of Federal Laws to Guam, which was created in 1950 pursuant to the Guam Organic Act. She served in the Office of Territories and was appointed to be Director of that Office in 1964 by Secretary Udall. At that time she was the highest ranking woman in the Department and served with her characteristic good humor, wit, and skill.”