2004 Monroe County - Marilyn Walker

Monroe County Extension is proud to nominate Marilyn Walker to the 2004 4-H Hall of Fame.

When the Union Leaderettes 4-H Club was organized in the township where Marilyn was raised, she signed a membership card. She was in ninth grade and she became a very active member throughout her high school years. She held an office each year and was president her senior year in high school. Marilyn gives credit to Ruby Clark and Beth Barnes for being her 4-H leaders.  

When Marilyn was in 4-H, there was one project area emphasized each year. One year it was foods, then clothing and then home improvement. The girl’s clubs were limited to the number of exhibits that could be entered in each class because there would not have been enough room in the 4-H building. Marilyn remembers making lots of angel food cakes before she felt her exhibit would get to go on to the county fair. She also gave two presentations at the county fair and served as junior camp counselor.

Marilyn participated in many activities outside of her club. She was county girl’s vice president at the time girls and boys clubs were organized separately. She attended the Girl’s State 4-H Convention.

Three years after high school graduation, Dale Uehling, County Director and Margaret Mordan, County Home Economist asked her to take the position as Monroe County 4-H Office Assistant. There have been many staff changes in the last 40 years and Marilyn is the person who has held the Monroe County Extension Service together. Through the years, Marilyn has networked with thousands of clients and volunteers. This constant dedication and personal service has earned Marilyn the respect of everyone around her.

This will be the 40th Monroe County 4-H Fair for Marilyn. She knows all the people, what all the classes are, where everything has been stored and makes sure that all the paperwork gets completed on schedule.

Marilyn received the “Pride of Extension” award from Iowa State University Extension Service in 1997. She lives at the edge of Avery with her husband, Lawrence and their daughter, Lindsay. She is active in the Avery United Methodist Church, enjoys her bowling league and attending school activities.