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Frances Axtell
Nena J. Croake
Josephine Preston
Reba Hurn
Bertha Knight Landes
Belle Reeves
Catherine May
Dixy Lee Ray
Jeannette Hayner
Carolyn Dimmick
Jennifer Belcher
Deborah Senn
Christine Gregoire
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Belle Reeves
FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE 1938-1948
Born on an Ohio farm, Reeves moved to Washington and made history as a pioneer newspaper publisher.
In 1938, Washington Governor Clarence Martin named the ever-conscientious Reeves Secretary of State.
Billed the “Sweetheart of Washington,” Reeves dedicated more than a quarter century to public service and recruited other women candidates.
The Secretary was memorialized by the first — and to date only — State Funeral in the House Chamber on January 5, 1948.
"This is not only an honorto me, but to all thewomen of the state."
Learn more about Belle Reeves