WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. - Arizona’s second female governor, Jane Dee Hull, who previously served as a doctor for the Indian Health Service, died within hours of the passing of her husband of 66 years, Dr. Terry Hull, a teacher in Chinle. Jane Dee Hull was 84. The Hulls died April 16 of natural causes.
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer offered their condolences to the family.
Gov. Hull was the first woman in the state of Arizona to serve as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Secretary of State, and first elected woman governor who is credited with initiating major changes in state government, education, and health care for over 25 years.
"At this difficult time, my prayers and condolences are with the family of Gov. Jane Dee Hull and Dr. Hull. During their early careers, they both had the opportunity to work on the Navajo Nation in the 1960s to serve the Navajo people,” Nez said.
Gov. Hull's legacy includes advocating for children's health by establishing KidsCare, Arizona's Children's Health Insurance Program. Hull was a champion for education by leading Proposition 301, which over time, resulted in increased funding for education, including the Technology Research Initiative Fund. She also launched TGen, a first-of-its-kind genomics research institute in Arizona
"As a wife, mother, grandmother, teachers, legislator, and natural leader, Gov. Hull made an impressive impact in the state of Arizona. Her strength, compassion, and dedication to helping people will be remembered and honored,” Lizer said.
