2010 Tama County - Marilyn Thoms

Marilyn Thoms from Gladbrook in tama County, became involved in 4-H when her children were 4-H members and she has been involved ever since.  Her daughter’s local club needed a leader and Marilyn volunteered to be co-leader and she was a leader for 20 plus years.  While still a 4-H leader she got involved in the Tama Co. Livestock & Fair Association.  Marilyn has been a member of the Association for at least 35 years, plus she has been co-superintendent of the SMA building and currently is co-superintendent of the Home Economics building, Horse and Pony superintendent, building sitter, wrote comments for the judges plus helped with the dress review.  Prior to the county fair you could count on Marilyn to help with the fairgrounds and building clean-up, local presentation day and local achievement shows.  In the fall she helped judge record books for many years.  She was a chaperone for her daughter’s trips to such places as the Amanas, Des Moines and various other places.  An honor Marilyn received from her local fair board was being selected as “Friend of the Fair” in 2000.

In addition to being involved with the county 4-H and Fair Association, Marilyn is an active volunteer at the Iowa Veterans Home having volunteered over 3,000 hours and received a plaque for 20 years of volunteering.

Marilyn is involved in her hometown’s yearly Corn Carnival celebration.  She is a committee member for the Collector’s Fair and the food stand during the celebration.  In 2009, along with her husband, Harry they were grand marshals of the Corn Carnival Grand Parade.  She is on the museum committee, helps out at the “Matchstick Marvels” tourism display and a ticket seller for the Gladbrook Theater.

The American Legion and Auxiliary have a special part in her life.  She is currently co-president of the local Auxiliary unit, County secretary and on the Avenue of Flags committee.  She helps put out flags for Memorial Day.

On the national level Marilyn in an active member of the Clydesdale ‘Breeder of the USA, and volunteers at the membership table during the annual meeting and sale for over 30 years.

Marilyn received the State Volunteer of the Year award presented by Governor Terry Branstad.

Marilyn has been married to Harry Thoms for 56 years and lives on the ‘Century Farm’ that has been in Marilyn’s family for over 100 years.  All of her children and grandchildren have been and are members of 4-H and Marilyn is right there with them to enjoy their accomplishments.

Marilyn is truly a loyal volunteer in 4-H and never having been in 4-H herself, she well deserves the wonderful honor.