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A RESOLUTION adjourning the Senate in honor and loving memory of former 1
Senator Elizabeth Jean Tori. 2
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Jean Tori departed this earthly life on October 2, 2024, 3
leaving behind the memory of a woman who was dearly loved and who will be deeply 4
missed by all who knew her; and 5
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Tori was a longtime resident of Radcliff, where she owned 6
the Tori Shoppe and Tori Enterprises, and was instrumental in starting the Radcliff 7
Women’s Club; and 8
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Tori attended the University of Kentucky and Western 9
Kentucky University; and 10
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Tori began her political activism with the creation of the 11
North Hardin Republican Women’s Club, and was also active in the congressional 12
campaigns of her late husband, Martin, who ran for Kentucky’s second district United 13
States House of Representatives seat in 1988 and 1990; and 14
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Tori was the first woman and first Republican to win 15
election in the 10th Senate District and the selflessly represented District 10 from 1995 to 16
2011; and 17
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Tori chaired the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, and 18
Public Protection Committee from 2005 through 2010 and served as both the Senate 19
Minority and Majority Whip. But she let it be known that the proudest moments of her 20
Senate career involved the passage of veterans' legislation; and 21
WHEREAS, as Senate President Robert Stivers said of Elizabeth Tori, she was as 22
kind of a person as you would ever want to know, who had a fierce loyalty to Kentucky 23
and all of its residents. Elizabeth was passionate about those who served in the military 24
and advocated for our active-duty members and retirees who lived here. She was also 25
very dedicated to her husband, Martin, and the family they shared"; and 26
WHEREAS, House Speaker David Osborne said, "As a mother, grandmother, small 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 1845
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business owner, and community volunteer, she understood the challenges faced by hard-1
working Kentuckians and fought for them in every single public policy debate. Elizabeth 2
was also an ardent and outspoken advocate for her constituents and one of the first to 3
truly understand the impact that active-duty military personnel and veterans have on our 4
state. Her legacy is evident in many of the policies passed by the legislature today and 5
will benefit this state for generations to come"; and 6
WHEREAS, Senator Mitch McConnell said, "The daughter of a veteran and wife of 7
a retired Army Major, Elizabeth Tori was a constant advocate for Kentucky's active-duty 8
military and the many veterans who call the Commonwealth home. Serving Kentucky's 9
10th District for over 16 years, Elizabeth was always looking for ways to improve the 10
lives of our service members and to give them the thanks they deserve. Now it's our turn 11
to give thanks to Elizabeth for all her years inside and outside the state legislature serving 12
Kentucky's veterans, students, and families"; and 13
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Tori was preceded in death by her husband, Martin Tori, and 14
grandson, Brandyn Clough. She is survived by her four children, Mike King, Pam 15
(Winston) Clough, Debbie (Rod) Cowley Reese, and Brent (Susan) King; three 16
stepchildren, Maria (Alan) Rubin, Martin Tori, III, and Melissa Tori; 11 grandchildren 17
and 10 great grandchildren; and 18
WHEREAS, the Tori family and the Commonwealth of Kentucky have lost a strong 19
forward-thinking leader and advocate; 20
NOW, THEREFORE, 21
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 22
Kentucky: 23
Section 1. The Senate does hereby express its most profound sympathy upon 24
the passing of former Senator Elizabeth Tori, and expresses boundless gratitude for her 25
service to this honorable body and the Commonwealth. 26
Section 2. When the Senate adjourns this day, it does so in honor and loving 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 1845
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memory of Senator Elizabeth Tori. 1
Section 3. The Clerk is of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this 2
Resolution to the Office of Senator Matthew Deneen for presentation to the family of 3
Senator Elizabeth Tori. 4