Courtesy of Washington State Archives’ House photo collection

People in our office received word Tuesday morning of the death of Jeannette Hayner, the longtime Walla Walla legislator who rose to Senate Republican Leader during the latter part of her career before retiring in 1993.

Hayner, 91, died Friday in Walla Walla. Here is the obituary that ran in the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin.

A few of us in this office knew Hayner, having either worked with her, for her, or having covered her in the media. She was regarded by many as shrewd and energetic, and was praised by many for her leadership skills.

Secretary Reed worked with the 16th District legislator when he was Assistant Secretary of State and she was in her first two terms as a state representative. Upon learning of her passing, Secretary Reed said, “We need more Jeannette Hayners in the Legislature.”

Hayner is featured in the “MOVING FORWARD, LOOKING BACK: Washington’s First Women in Government” exhibit that is being shown in the lobby of the Secretary of State’s main office, located on the second floor of the Legislative Building.

And our office’s Legacy Project produced an excellent profile on Hayner. The 1975 photo above shows Hayner standing outside of the Legislative Building.