(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Last week, state Senate President Pro Tempore Donna Boley announced her decision to step away from the legislature after decades of service representing Pleasants County and state Senate District Three.

“It is with a heavy, but grateful, heart that I submit to you my resignation from the West Virginia Senate,” said Boley, R-Pleasants. “It has been the honor of my life to represent Pleasants County and the Third Senatorial District for more than 40 years. I would not have been able to do that without the support of my constituents, who chose to elect me 11 times.”

Boley served her constituents with a boldness that bears recognition, as she was not only the longest continually serving senator in West Virginia history, she was also a conservative voice long before there was a conservative chorus in Charleston. In 1991-92, she was the only Republican in the 34-member state Senate.

She represented her constituents with intelligence and understanding — never afraid to speak for them.

“Her institutional knowledge and her ability to work with all people – no matter their politics – is an inspiration to us all,” said Senate President Randy Smith, R-Preston. “She’s truly one of a kind.”

She has earned her retirement and time to enjoy her family without the burden of political responsibility she has borne for so long.

“She’s a strong woman,” said U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va. “She’s a great mentor to me to be able to see someone who at one point was the only Republican in the state Senate in West Virginia where she was chairman of every committee and the minority leader at the same time. So, I think that tells everybody — men and women — that a strong woman can do anything when she sets her mind to it because that’s what Donna Boley did.”

Boley is not just an example, she forged the path on which so many have followed. But those who stand in awe of her must listen to Boley, as she notes they should remember who they serve.

“Stay up with your constituency,” Boley said. “Listen to them and be involved wherever you can.”

She always did just that. And her constituents rewarded her for it by relying on her since 1985. Now, as much as they — and all of West Virginia — will miss her in Charleston, we wish her well in a richly deserved retirement. Thank you, ma’am.