WHEREAS, Marlyta Deck has truly spent a lifetime lobbying in the interest of the people and the issues she was passionate about, and is known as the "matriarch" of agricultural lobbyists as she was one of the first and few women to lobby in a traditionally male arena; and
     WHEREAS, Dedicated to public service and agricultural education, Marlyta was a long-time leader of 4-H youth education programs; and
     WHEREAS, Over the years, by virtue of her love of thoroughbred racing and the influence on fairs, Marlyta became one of the horse racing industry's strongest supporters; and
     WHEREAS, As a "citizen lobbyist," Marlyta lobbied for the people's interests; her free gratis support of the agricultural industry as a lobbyist is unprecedented; and
     WHEREAS, Marlyta served as the volunteer legislative liaison for the Washington State Fairs Association for 28 years and a lobbyist for the Washington Cattlemen's Association for 14 years; and
     WHEREAS, Marlyta served on the Thurston County Fair Board for more than 40 years, was named director emeritus, and was honored in 1968 when the Fair Board named the Deck Building after her in recognition of her dedication; and
     WHEREAS, Marlyta was the first woman to be elected president of the Washington State Fairs in 1972 and served again in the position in 1988; and
     WHEREAS, She was instrumental in developing the current state fair fund allocation formula; and
     WHEREAS, Marlyta influenced both large and small fairs across the state by relentlessly lobbying to maintain the success and financial stability of fairs without remuneration; and
     WHEREAS, Washington State Fairs can continue the tradition of showcasing excellence as a direct result of Marlyta Deck's dedication and service to Washington state for 50 years; and
     WHEREAS, Marlyta Deck passed away on March 8, 2007, much too young, and will be forever young in the hearts of all the people she touched;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor Marlyta Deck for her endless commitment to furthering agricultural issues, her dedication and advocacy work for Washington State Fairs and the cattlemen's industry, and for the noble way she lobbied with her heart; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the family of Marlyta Deck, the Thurston County Fair Board, the Washington State Fairs Association, and the Washington Cattlemen's Association.