Ruth Samuelson, former NC GOP Rep., dies at 57

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – A former Republican leader in the North Carolina House has died seven months after announcing she had ovarian cancer.

Funeral home operator Ken Poe said Ruth Samuelson died Monday morning at her Charlotte home at age 57. Poe says her death was related to the cancer.

Samuelson was a former Mecklenburg County commissioner who served eight years in the North Carolina House, rising to the position of Republican Conference Leader. She didn’t seek re-election in 2014, saying continuing her political career would take too much time from her passions of philanthropy, faith and family.

Samuelson took lead roles passing legislation designed to regulate further abortion and pushed a voter ID bill through the House. Environmental groups relied on Samuelson as a conservation ally.

Her funeral service is Friday in Charlotte.

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1/23/2017 11:01:57 AM (GMT -5:00)