SEATTLE -- Chinese community pioneer and public official Ruby Chow died Wednesday morning.

Chow was born in Seattle in 1920.

In a statement issued by Gov. Christine Gregoire, Chow was described as "the soul of Seattle and exemplified so much of what makes Washington great."

Chow was a high-school dropout who became a successful businesswoman and politician who owned the first Chinese restaurant outside Chinatown, the first Chinese frozen food business and was the American member of the King County Council, among many other distinctions.

After serving three terms on the council she retired in 1985 but continued various civic activities.

"Throughout her life, Ruby did what women do best. She built bridges, and because of that, she left our state better place for us all. We will miss Ruby but her legacy will live on," said Gregoire.