Our family is saddened to announce that our mom and dad, our Grammy Jane and Grandaddio, who many of you know as Governor Jane Dee Hull and Dr. Terry Hull, married 66 years, passed away within hours of each other of natural causes. They died peacefully at home surrounded by family. Our parents were age 84 and 85 respectively.
Their journey together is an amazing story of dedication, true public service, leadership, respect for human dignity, and love of family.
In 1962, they came together to Arizona to serve the Navajo Nation: Terry as a public health doctor and Jane as a schoolteacher. While Terry tended to ailments of all kinds in a very medically underserved community, Jane would teach young students who walked miles to attend class and did their homework by candlelight.
They eventually moved to Phoenix where Terry delivered lots of wonderful Arizona babies, including the first quintuplets in Arizona, while Jane took on more community responsibilities.
With Terry’s support, Jane ran for office in 1978, becoming a member of the Arizona House of Representatives representing north-central Phoenix. She was recognized early for her quick grasp of issues and her work ethics, and she rose quickly in leadership becoming the Majority Whip (complete with a western whip hanging on her wall) to become the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives. In 1994, she was elected Secretary of State, and then ascended to the Governorship becoming the first elected female governor in the state’s history.
She became known as the “Education Governor”, with her early days as a teacher becoming a guiding light for needed policy. She worked tirelessly to forge and pass an initiative which raised sales tax money for education. Also knowing the importance of keeping our children healthy so they could properly learn, Jane initiated the “Kids Care” program for children of the working poor. She acted to have Arizona become one of the first states in the nation to provide all public schools with access to the internet. Jane also assisted with the establishment of the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) which would ensure that generations to come would be taught groundbreaking medical discoveries. And the community named a school in her honor in Chandler for her dedication to improving our state’s education system, something for which she was very touched, and which we are all very proud.
She took on many other tough issues including criminal justice reform, increasing trade with Mexico and other countries, improving economic development of all kinds, appointing more judges than any previous governor, and constantly seeking ways to improve the quality of life for all families in Arizona. But her and Terry’s most strenuous jobs may have been chasing their loving grandkids around their house in Phoenix and in Pinetop where they spent considerable time with family.
Most importantly, both of our parents cherished the values of integrity, hard work, community, and family. They were known as people who “got things done”, and did so with honesty, principles, and respect for human dignity. Their doors were always open to anyone, whether you be a close friend (of which they had many) or a political opponent. Showing respect for others, treating everyone fairly, and working in a civil manner while maintaining one’s principles were their paramount guideposts. It’s what they taught all of us.
The words and warm thoughts of many friends are pouring in, and our family will hopefully have the opportunity to thank each and every one of you in the near future. As Governor Hull’s Chief of Staff and good friend, Rick Collins, conveyed to us: “On behalf of the Legislative and Executive branch families, I want to thank Governor Hull’s family for sharing their mom and dad with us for so many years. Please find comfort in knowing that all of Arizona is a better place because of both of them”. Rick: our family knew the importance of her sacrifices and ours, and we were proud to share her with our wonderful state that we call home. And mom’s Deputy Chief of Staff and House running mate, George Weisz, reminded us that in her first speech as Governor, she said that “the Hallmarks of my administration will be responsibility, integrity, cooperation, and efficiency.” George noted that those qualities, of which they both exceeded expectations on all counts, applied to mom and dad throughout their professional careers and their personal lives. So true, indeed.
Our parents love for Arizona was only exceeded by their love for each other and love of family and friends. We miss them both already, but we all have wonderful memories that will always be softly imprinted upon our hearts. And we are so very proud that they touched so many people in so many positive ways, including every member of our family.
Our parents are survived by their children; Jeanette Polvani (Ray), Robin Peterson (Dave), Jeffrey Hull (Susan) and Michael Hull (Elena), eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
MEMORIAL SERVICES: In light of the current global health situation, we are looking at our options and will be glad to let everyone know once plans have been made.
CONDOLENCE MESSAGES: We have already received numerous wonderful requests for a method in which their many friends can express warm thoughts and condolences to the family. Anyone is welcome to send a message to our family thru son Mike Hull via email: michaelhullaz@gmail.com
DONATIONS: Anyone wishing to remember our parents can do so by making a donation, through the mail or online, in memory of Jane and Terry Hull, at Hospice of the Valley, www.hov.org 602-530-6992.
- The Hull Family
An amazing women has been called to Heaven. A true role model and inspiration to so many. May they RIP