14 Facts About Nancy Ryles

Nancy Ryles served in the Oregon House of Representatives, the Oregon Senate and as one of three members of the state's Public Utility Commission.

Nancy Ryles was known as an advocate for education and for equality for women and minorities.

Nancy Ryles was born Nancy Ann Wyly in 1937 in Portland, Oregon.

Nancy Ryles graduated from Jefferson High in Northeast Portland and was chosen as Portland Rose Festival Queen in 1955.

Nancy Ryles attended Willamette University and Portland State University, but did not graduate from college.

Nancy Ryles served on the Beaverton school board from 1972 to 1978, as well as on the State Advisory Council for Career and Vocational Education.

Nancy Ryles served two terms in each chamber of the Oregon Legislature, and in both chambers was appointed to serve on the Education Commission of the States.

Nancy Ryles was proud of the passage of a 1981 bill mandating public kindergartens in Oregon, which built on work begun by then-legislator Betty Roberts in 1965.

Nancy Ryles co-chaired a Senate Task Force in 1985 and 1986 which attempted to pass aid in dying legislation; the legislative efforts were unsuccessful, but were an important precursor to the passage of the Oregon Death with Dignity Act in 1994.

Nancy Ryles was appointed to the Oregon Public Utility Commission by Governor Neil Goldschmidt in April 1987 and resigned her position in the Oregon Senate effective May 15,1987, to take up her new duties.

Nancy Ryles was the first woman to serve on the Oregon PUC.

Nancy Ryles was still serving on the state's Public Utility Commission at the time, her term due to end on March 31,1991.

Nancy Ryles was survived by Vernon Barton Ryles and two children, Scott Allen Ryles and Ashley Marie Ryles.

Nancy Ryles had regretted having never graduated from college, and she wanted to help other women avoid having such regrets.