2004 State Recognition - Shirley Stakey

It only seems appropriate to honor Shirley Stakey in the 4-H Hall of Fame on the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the Iowa State Fair.  The Fair has been a pivotal part of her life.  Shirley served as the superintendent of the 4-H Exhibit Building at the Iowa State Fair for 23 years.  In addition she worked in the 4-H Exhibit displays under the grandstand for three years while a college student.

Shirley’s 4-H career began as a member of the Sharon Township 4-H Club in Shelby County.  Among her achievements was being selected as one of the top winners in the State Fair Fashion Revue.  She was also a delegate to National 4-H Conference in 1952.

Shirley graduated from Iowa State College in 1957 with a degree in Home Economics Education.  She served as an Extension Home Economist in Cass County and Adams County.  Later she was an Extension Assistant in Webster County, Hamilton County and Wright County.  In 1977 she joined the State 4-H Staff as a Program Assistant and later a Program Specialist until her retirement in 2001.

For many years 4-H’ers and families saw Shirley as the State 4-H Office because of the numerous programs she coordinated including the international programs, all of the recognition programs – county and state project awards, National 4-H Congress, National 4-H Conference, and college scholarships as well as the judges training workshops throughout the state, volunteer leader training and the 4-H club task force.

Among the recognitions she has received are the College of Home Economics Helen LeBaron Hilton Award, the ISU Alumni Association Superior Service Award, the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents Distinguished Service Award, the American Spirit Award and 25 years of service award, the Carroll Ringenburg Award and the Jerry Parsons 4-H Youth Development Professional Award.  The Iowa 4-H Foundation board established in her honor an endowed 4-H scholarship for a former 4-H’er majoring in the College of Families at Iowa State.  In 2001 Shirley received the Iowa 4-H Alumni Award at the Iowa State Fair.  

Shirley’s life was not only 4-H.  She also gives in her community and state.  She served on the school board in Stratford including being President.  She was a member of the board of the Iowa 4-H Foundation.  And she has served as a leader in the Lutheran Church both locally and at the state level.  

After her retirement, Shirley and her husband, Marvin, moved to Story City.  They are the parents of two children, Lori and Doran, and five grandchildren, all of whom are active 4-H’ers in Hamilton and Cedar Counties.  Shirley continues to volunteer on a regular bases at the State 4-H Office.  And both she and Marvin are avid ISU basketball fans, both men’s and women’s teams, where they can be seen at almost every game.    

Shirley’s organizational skills, teamwork and vision put her in a class all by her self as a member of the State 4-H staff.  She truly modeled all that the Iowa 4-H pledge stands for.