(September 14, 2006)—Praise and expressions of sympathy poured in Thursday for former Texas Gov. Ann Richards, who died Wednesday night at her home in Austin after a battle with esophageal cancer.

Richards, 73, was surrounded by her four adult children when she died.

Her body will lie in state in the Texas Capitol Rotunda on Saturday and Sunday.

Services will be held at noon Monday at the University of Texas Frank Erwin Special Events Center.

Both events are open to the public.

A private burial is planned.

In a statement issued by the White House, the president said he and first lady Laura Bush "are deeply saddened by the passing of Governor Ann Richards of Texas."

He said Richards "loved Texas, and Texans loved her," and that "as a public servant she earned respect and admiration."

The president said Richards "became a national role model, and her charm, wit and candor brought a refreshing vitality to public life."

Gov. Rick Perry Thursday ordered flags flown at half-staff at state buildings until sunset on Monday in Richards' honor.

"Ann Richards was the epitome of Texas politics,” Perry said, “a figure larger than life who had a gift for captivating the public with her great wit.

“She was an endearing and enduring figure in Texas politics. She paved the way as a leader and a role model for women who aspire to the highest levels of leadership. Anita and I are saddened by a loss that will be felt by many. Ann Richards left Texas a better place,” he said.

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, called Richards a trailblazer.

She was fun, and funny, and irreverent and loved life. My thoughts are with her family at this sad time,” Hutchison said.

And Democratic Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, said he will always cherish the memory of Richards’ bringing 3,000 of her friends to his 40th birthday party at the Waco Convention Center.

“With a sense of humor and a love of Texas, Ann Richards led our state through a time of economic growth, prosperity, and opportunity for all,” Edwards said.

“She gave Texas a lot, but perhaps her greatest gift was to help us all laugh at ourselves.”

Richards was a Waco High School and Baylor University graduate, and Baylor extended its sympathy to Richards’ family and friends Thursday.

“Whenever she came back to Baylor, she provided inspiration, encouraging young men and young women to consider a life of public service,” Baylor President John Lilley said.

“Ann Richards was a generous alumna who was dedicated in her service to Texas and to her alma mater. The entire Baylor family mourns her loss.”

Click Here For More Reaction To Ann Richard’s Death

Richards earned a teaching certificate from the University of Texas and taught school for a year in Austin.

She began to campaign for such progressive Texas candidates as Henry B. Gonzalez and Ralph Yarbrough, and emerged as a political figure in her own right when she was elected state treasurer in 1982, the first woman elected to statewide office in 50 years.

She won a second term without opposition and then stepped into the national spotlight in 1988 when she delivered the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, a speech that included a memorable reference to George H. W. Bush.

“Poor George,” Richards said to the cheering delegates, “he can’t help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth.”

Richards ran for governor in 1990, defeating Attorney General Jim Mattox and former Gov. Mark White in the Democratic primary and multi-millionaire rancher Clayton Williams in the general election.

She served just one term, losing her bid for reelection to George W. Bush, who parlayed his tenure in Austin into a successful presidential race.

Win or lose, however, her humor always on display.

"I did not want my tombstone to read, 'She kept a really clean house.' I think I'd like them to remember me by saying, 'She opened government to everyone.'

In her last 10 years, Richards worked for many social causes and helped develop the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders.

Richards was diagnosed with cancer in March and had undergone chemotherapy.

Richards is survived by her four children - Cecile Richards, Daniel Richards, Clark Richards and Ellen Richards; their spouses and eight grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

The family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders through the Austin Community Foundation, P.O. Box 5159, Austin, Texas 78763,
512-472-4483.

Click Here For Austin Community Foundation Web Site