Odilia Dank facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Odilia Mary Russo Dank
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from the 85th district |
|
| In office 1994–2006 |
|
| Preceded by | Mary Fallin |
| Succeeded by | David Dank |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Odilia Mary Russo
September 3, 1938 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | August 17, 2013 (aged 74) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | David Dank |
| Children | 1 |
| Residences | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Randolph-Macon Women's College University of Oklahoma |
| Occupation | Politician educator |
Odilia Mary Russo Dank (born September 3, 1938 – died August 17, 2013) was an American teacher and politician. She was a member of the Republican Party. Odilia Dank served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for District 85. She was first elected in 1994 and served until 2006.
Contents
Her Early Life and Family
Odilia Mary Russo Dank was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Her parents were Dr. Peter and Dr. Magdalene Russo. When she was two years old, her family moved to Oklahoma. They lived in Lake Aluma Chulosa, a small town near Oklahoma City. Her father was a radiologist, a doctor who uses imaging to diagnose diseases. Her mother was a dentist before she got married. Odilia graduated from Casady High School in Oklahoma City.
Her Education and Career
After high school, Odilia went to Randolph-Macon Women's College in Lynchburg, Virginia. She earned her bachelor's degree in 1960. Later, in 1974, she received a Master of Education degree from the University of Oklahoma in Norman.
Odilia Dank worked as a teacher and counselor in Oklahoma City public schools for 20 years. For 12 of those years, she was a counselor at Del City High School. Her first teaching job was in southwest Oklahoma City, where she taught government and Oklahoma history. On weekends, Odilia and a friend would travel around the state. These trips helped her become interested in politics.
Serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives (1994–2006)
When Mary Fallin left her seat in the House to run for lieutenant governor, Odilia Dank decided to run for the open position. Odilia was elected to represent District 85 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 1994. She served until 2006. After her time in office, her husband, David Dank, ran and won her former seat.
During her time in the House, Odilia Dank was chosen to be the chairman of the Education Committee. She was the first woman to hold this important position. She also served two terms as the vice chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party.
What Committees Did She Serve On?
Odilia Dank was a member of several important committees:
- Chair of the Common Education Committee
- House Appropriation sub-committee on Education
- Rules, and Revenue and Taxation committee
- Children and Family committee
Awards and Special Recognitions
Odilia Dank received many awards for her hard work and dedication in the legislature. Some of her recognitions include:
- Pioneering Spirit Award from the Oklahoma Charter Association
- REID's legislative excellence award (2004)
- Casady Alumni Achievement Award (2001)
- Oklahoma State Chamber's Outstanding Legislator Award (1999)
- Distinguished Service Award from the Mid-Del City schools (1989)
Her Legacy
Odilia Dank passed away from cancer on August 17, 2013, in Oklahoma City.
Governor Mary Fallin, who had held Odilia's state House seat before her, honored Odilia. On August 19, Governor Fallin ordered that all flags on state property be flown at half-staff. This special honor for Odilia Dank lasted from August 23 to August 26.
