Senate Resolution 2

A RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE THANKS AND CONDOLENCES OF THE SENATE TO THE SURVIVING FAMILY OF LOUISVILLE CHILDCARE OPERATOR RUTH BENNETT WHO SAVED THE LIFE OF A CHILD UNDER HER CARE DURING THE VIOLENT TORNADO OF MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2014.

WHEREAS, among the 35 confirmed deaths as a result of a two-day outbreak of tornadoes and other violent weather was Ruth Bennett, the 53-year-old Operator of a Louisville, Mississippi, childcare center, who died while clutching the last child remaining at the center Monday, April 28, 2014, as a tornado wiped the building off of its foundation; and

WHEREAS, a next-door neighbor who witnessed the scene saw a firefighter who came across the body of Ruth Bennett gently pull the toddler from her arms. In all, at least 10 deaths were reported in and around the Town of Louisville, Mississippi, from the powerful tornado with a preliminary rating of EF4, which is near the top of the scale; and

WHEREAS, the parents of the little girl, Coysheena and Willie Mitchell, searched for two hours to find their daughter, but it wasn't until a firefighter heard screaming from under a tree that they discovered bitter joy. Ruth Bennett stayed with Ashtyn even as the storm destroyed everything around them and pummeled them in the wind, but she was lost to the storm, protecting the little girl. Ashtyn was found under a tree as Ruth held her. "She gave the ultimate sacrifice so my baby could live," said the grateful mother. Ruth Bennett's Childcare Center was not far from the destroyed Louisville hospital; and

WHEREAS, we can never repay our debt to this Mississippi hero; however, we must do what we can, with all that we have, to live our lives in a way that pays tribute to her memory:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby extend the thanks and condolences of the Senate to the surviving family of Louisville Childcare Operator Ruth Bennett who saved the life of a child under her care during the violent tornado of Monday, April 28, 2014.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Ruth Bennett, forwarded to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Louisville, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.