Kelly Shannon | Austin | September 13

San Antonio Express-News - Former Texas Gov. Ann Richards, the witty and flamboyant Democrat who went from homemaker to national political celebrity, died Wednesday night at her home surrounded by her family after a battle with cancer, a family spokeswoman said. She was 73.

The silver-haired, silver-tongued Richards had said she entered politics to help others - especially women and minorities who were often ignored by Texas' male-dominated establishment.

"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,' " Richards told an interviewer shortly before leaving office in January 1995.

I had the great good fortune to have met Governor Richards a few times. Gov. Richards embodied all that was great about Texas and about the Texas Democratic spirit. She'd known hard times in her life but had overcome them. She's known illness and addiction and yet, overcame that as well. She dedicated her life to making the lives of others better. And even in defeat she was magnanimous. She was canny, clever and full of mischief. Her wit and warm heart will be missed. Absent Ann Richards Texas is a lesser place.